Britain's queen in new photo portrait with 3 heirs to throne

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has marked start of dece with a new formal photograph of her and first three heirs to throne: son Prince Charles, grandson Prince William and great-grandson Prince George.

portrait of four was taken in Buckingham Palace's throne room a week before Christmas. palace released it on Saturday night.

For photo, Elizabeth, wearing a white dress with a blue brooch and with a signature handbag hanging from her forearm, stood in front. Charles posed with an arm around George's shoulder as two stood next to queen on a red-carpeted step. William was behind monarch on her or side.

It's only second time Buckingham Palace has issued a portrait of queen and her three heirs toger.

first, taken by same photographer, was released 2016 to mark Elizabeth's 90th birthday and used on commemorative stamps.