She was just 26 years old, mourning the death of her father and about to be crowned Queen of England, but in this previously unseen portrait, Elizabeth II exudes calm and dignity.
The image is one of 35 official photos taken in March 1952 by Kenneth Clayton. Clayton was allowed to keep the snaps as long as he kept them private for 30 years.
He kept his promise until his death in 2001 and now his family has put the images up for auction to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee.
Here are some candid pictures of some of our favourite royals before they became famous.
Elizabeth in 1952 and in 2007.
The image was taken before Elizabeth’s coronation but after her father’s death.
Kate Middleton in 2005, and in London yesterday.
Princess Diana aged just 19 in 1980 and looking stunning in 1995.
Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary in 2003 and last month.
Sarah Ferguson before her wedding in 1986 and in 2011.
Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, in 1998 and earlier this month.
Grace Kelly as a movie star in 1950 and a princess in 1979.
Prince Edward’s wife Sophie in 1995 and earlier this month.
Prince Harry’s on/off love Chelsy Davy in 2006 and at the royal wedding in April, 2011.
