The first official portrait of King Charles with Queen Consort Camilla was adorned by fans across the world on Sunday.
With the new Prince and Princess of Wales at his side, King Charles looked at ease in his new role alongside Queen Consort Camilla.
Body language experts said the snap was a display of warmth and acceptance, with the body language of all four surprisingly relaxed.
While the King is much shorter than his son Prince William, viewers eyes were drawn to the new monarch who appeared laid back yet confident.
The photo was taken to mark a "historic moment" for the family, according to palace sources, and is an early glimpse of the present and future monarchy.
But there is more on show than first meets the eye, amid the slimming down of The Firm and the absence of the King's younger son.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would have likely assumed they would be a part of the family portrait in the not too distant past.
A similar snap was taken to mark the-then Prince of Wales' 70th birthday in November 2018, featuring his two sons and three grandchildren at the time: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But two years later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would be leaving their roles as working royals, with a heartbreaking response from the Queen.
Compared to his 70th photo, Charles III's first official portrait as King paints a much smaller and more intimate picture alongside his wife, Kate Middleton and Prince William, heir to the throne.
His grandchildren did not feature in the picture, where the senior royals are all dressed in black with a gentle smile.
Prince Harry and Meghan were also absent from the shot, despite being in the UK when the moment was captured.
The decision to exclude them has prompted some to ask whether the pair will feel further exiled when they view the picture from their California home, reunited with their children Archie and Lilibet.
It could be interpreted as another sign that the couple will never return to their central position in royal life.
The photograph contains lots of symbolism, with some drawing meaning from its composition and even its backdrop.
One example is how King Charles is pictured with his son in front of a portrait of King George III – the UK's longest serving male monarch.
Another is when it was taken, the day before the Queen's funeral.
It means the four most senior royals came together in a showing of strength and unity moments before hosting a large reception at Buckingham Palace.
The foursome put on a brave face for the occasion and welcomed visiting Heads of State including US President Joe Biden.
A further message from the timing of the photo is that the monarchy is never off duty, even in times of grief and sorrow, Richard Kay wrote in the Daily Mail.
Describing King Charles' body language in the shot, he said: "One hand rests comfortably behind Camilla's back.
"While the other is casually thrust into his jacket pocket. But it is the hint of a smile on his face that is the most telling.
"It is the look of a man who is not daunted by what lies ahead – but rather is invigorated by it."
Another significant meaning behind the photo could be his hopes for a smaller monarchy that is "more relevant and more resilient," he adds.
