Queen Elizabeth II was one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs, serving for 70 years. During that time, she was pictured hundreds of thousands of times, and many royal photographers had the privilege of shooting her portrait.

 A striking image by Julian Calder has been reshared on Instagram, as it is going to be part of a Ballroom Exhibition at Balmoral Castle, and royal fans have been blown away. The photograph is of Her Majesty next to a stream on the sprawling Balmoral estate, with looming grey clouds in the background. Instead of walking attire appropriate for the setting, the monarch has been styled in full ceremonial dress – making the image even more eye-catching.

“The Queen of Scots & Chief of the Chiefs” is the title of the piece, and it is usually displayed at the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland. When the team from Balmoral reshared the snap, they explained the image would be part of a new display inside the castle. ” This year, the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle hosts a special photographic exhibition commemorating the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II.

“The exhibition brings together a collection of images capturing iconic moments from Her Majesty’s life and reign, offering visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on a remarkable legacy.

WATCH: Why Balmoral is so special to the royal family

 “At its heart, the ceremonial robe of the Order of the Thistle is displayed as a striking centrepiece. Crafted in deep green velvet and adorned with ancient insignia, it stands as a powerful symbol of centuries of ceremony, continuity, and sovereign grace. The Ballroom Exhibition is included with admission and is open daily throughout the 2026 season.” 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with their children, Prince Andrew (centre), Princess Anne (left) and Charles, Prince of Wales sitting on a picnic rug outside Balmoral Castle in Scotland, 8th September 1960.© Bettmann ArchiveQueen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with their children, Prince Andrew (centre), Princess Anne (left) and Charles, Prince of Wales sitting on a picnic rug outside Balmoral Castle in Scotland, 8th September 1960.

Fans adored the picture, with one writing: ” I absolutely love this photograph,” and another adding: “I love this portrait so much!” A third simply wrote: “Fantastic.”

Her Majesty’s love for Balmoral

 It was no secret that Balmoral was one of the Queen’s favourite places to be, out of all of her amazing royal residences. The estate spans around 50,000 acres and features mountains, rivers and lochs, and it provides a total escape from city life. Princess Eugenie once said of Her Majesty’s love of Scotland: “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.”

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Queen Elizabeth II waits in the Drawing Room before receiving newly elected leader of the Conservative party Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle for an audience where she will be invited to become Prime Minister and form a new government on September 6, 2022 in Aberdeen, Scotland. The Queen broke with the tradition of meeting the new prime minister and Buckingham Palace, after needing to remain at Balmoral Castle due to mobility issues. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)© Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth II spent her final days at Balmoral Castle

 Queen Elizabeth II’s final days were spent at the castle and she died at the age of 96 on 8 September 2022. Her state funeral took place on 19 September 2022 at Westminster Abbey in London, followed by a committal service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. 

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