Millions of viewers received a tantalising glimpse of a previously unseen photograph of Princess Diana and her sons last night - when it made a surprise appearance on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
The picture was produced unexpectedly by an aide to society photographer Lord Snowdon, the former husband of Princess Margaret.
It shows Diana posing formally but with a radiant smile, while a young William and Harry kneel barefoot beside her.
In contrast to their mother's expression, the two princes look rather glum - and it appears they had their reasons.
The young royals had apparently become bored with their mother's studio photoshoot and had wandered off for a bite to eat at the end of the sitting.
When they returned, curious to see what was going on, they were unwillingly hauled before the camera again.
The resulting image was described by Antiques Roadshow expert Clive Farahar as 'just tremendous' and 'absolutely stunning'.
The picture was taken by society photographer Lord Snowden, and shows Princess Diana posing with her two young sons