Message from HRH The Prince of Wales to the people of Australia

Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message of condolence to the Governor General of Australia, Governor of New South Wales, Governor of Queensland, and Governor of Victoria and to all Australians.

The Queen and three future Kings

The Queen is celebrating the start of the new year with a new portrait of herself and her three heirs.

The photograph of Her Majesty alongside the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince George was taken in Buckingham Palace's throne room shortly before Christmas.

The Queen stands at the front of the new image in a white dress accessorised with a blue brooch and holding one of her iconic handbags.

Prince George, in tartan trousers and a white shirt, and Prince Charles - in a navy pinstripe suit - are stood together on a red-carpeted step.

Prince William stands behind his father, son and grandmother, smiling at the back of the picture in a dark suit and navy blue tie.

This is only the second time that a portrait of all four royals together has been issued.

A portrait in 2016 of The Queen and her three heirs

The first was released in April 2016 to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, with the picture then printed on commemorative stamps.

The youngest royal's elevated position in the new portrait is reminiscent of the 2016 photo, when then-two-year-old Prince George stood next to his great-grandmother on a blue and black step, holding the hand of his father, Prince William.