Dressed in black and sharing warm smiles, King Charles and Prince William posed with their wives for a photograph released by Buckingham Palace this evening.
Father and son, plus Queen Consort Camilla and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, were pictured before a Buckingham Palace reception to meet heads of state on the eve of the Queen’s funeral.
In a peculiar quirk, the image features three Princes of Wales.
There is Charles - who took the title in 1958, and William, who assumed the role after Her Majesty’s death.
And eagle-eyed observers spotted the pair had their picture taken in front of a portrait of George IV, who was made Prince of Wales within days of his birth in 1762.
The image of King Charles III and his Queen Consort, standing alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, was taken on September 18, just 10 days after Queen Elizabeth II's death.
The senior royals are wearing black as the image was taken while they were in mourning for the Queen - leading the nation in grief, but also carrying out official engagements.
Charles, 73, is standing with his left hand held at the top of his pocket, while his right arm is gently tucked around Camilla's waist.
William, 40, who now towers over Charles, stands proudly next to his father and wife Catherine as all the family group looks straight at the camera and smiles.
Royal experts say we should may soon become accustomed to the sight of William and Charles together at official engagements.
It has been suggested Wills will share some duties with Charles in order to lighten the load for our 73-year-old king.
The release of the photo by royal officials followed the first glimpse of coins bearing His Majesty’s image.
