The royal family have unveiled a beautiful final portrait of Queen Elizabeth II ahead of her funeral

Ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral tonight, the royal family have released a beautiful new portrait of the late monarch.

Taken by photographer Ranald Mackechnie in May before the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the picture shows the Her Majesty dressed in blue at Windsor Castle.

"Ahead of Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral, a new photograph has been released," a statement from The Royal Family Twitter account read alongside the image.

"The photo was taken to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee - the first British Monarch to reach this milestone. Tomorrow, millions will come together to commemorate her remarkable life."

The portrait of her beaming at the camera was released as the Queen Consort paid a televised tribute on Sunday evening, recalling her "wonderful blue eyes" and "unforgettable smile".

As well as her favourite three-strand pearl necklace, the Queen also wore aquamarine and diamond clip brooches which were an 18th birthday present from her father, George VI, in 1944.

The late monarch - who passed away at the age of 96 on September 8 following a 70-year reign - is set to be laid to rest tonight at 10pm New Zealand time, in an hour-long service.

The funeral will be broadcast from 7.30 pm on TVNZ 1 and on Three. It will also be streamed on the royal family's YouTube channel, on NewstalkZB and on NZ Herald.