Elizabeth II enjoyed robust health throughout long reign

Notable deterioration only occurred in last two years and particularly after death of Philip

Queen Elizabeth dies - latest updates

The Queen had smiled broadly but appeared frail, gripping a cane in her left hand, as she greeted Liz Truss, the 15th prime minister of her 70-year reign, in Balmoral Castle's drawing room on Tuesday.

An official photograph of the historic moment had also born witness to an ominous dark purple bruise across the top of the 96-year-old monarch's right hand. Whether the result of a fall or perhaps the removal of a cannula, the palace was not commenting, and it had prompted public concern.