A few days before Windsor Castle reopens to visitors, a picture of the new tombstone of Queen Elizabeth II and her immediate family has been released for the first time.

The stone is hand-carved black Belgian marble to match its predecessor, the palace said on Saturday.

Brass letters and numbers announce the life dates of the Queen, her parents, Queen Elizabeth ("Queen Mum") and King George VI, as well as her husband Prince Philip.

In the middle is the coat of arms of the Order of the Garter, to which all four royals belonged.

The photograph shows the tomb surrounded by wreaths of flowers in the small memorial chapel of King George VI in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The royal residence reopens to visitors on September 29, who can then also visit the tomb.

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8th at the age of 96 and was buried on September 19th at Windsor Castle.

The urn of the Queen's younger sister, Princess Margaret, is also housed in the same side chapel that forms part of the large St George's Chapel.