Truth revealed behind famous giggling picture of Prince Philip and the Queen. (Courtesy)

The photographer who captured a famous photo of the Queen giggling has now revealed the story behind the snap.

Chris Young was working for the Press Association when he witnessed the moment in 2003.

He was the only photographer working at an event at Windsor Castle - and ended up catching a famous scene on camera.

Mr Young's story has now come to light following the death of Prince Philip on Friday morning, aged 99.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had turned out for a review of the Grenadier Guards' elite Queen's Company regiment.

As a colonel of the regiment, the prince stood waiting for his wife while dressed in full military uniform.

And it was at that point that Mr Young became aware of a swarm of bees.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth. (Courtesy)

He told the BBC: "I got lucky. I recognised that it was a human moment. She was giggling like a little girl and he was laughing too.

"I thought the reaction from both of them was pretty unique.

"Some of the guests were unsure as to whether they should move, but eventually everyone had to beat a retreat."

Mr Young's picture shows the Queen giggling as she walks past her husband - a rare candid moment in public.

He was later asked to file more images to his picture desk and they wound up on the front page of several national newspapers the next day.

Philip passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.

His funeral will take place at St George's Chapel on April 17, attended by family and close friends.

Members of the royal family have paid tribute in the days since the duke's death.

In a heartfelt tribute issued yesterday, his only daughter Princess Anne said she knew the tragic moment would someday come - "but you're never really ready."

Prince Charles issued a touching statement in which he talked about his "dear Papa", and Prince Andrew and Prince Edward have both also paid their respects.

The Queen has said the death of her husband of 73 years has left a "huge void in her life", the Duke of York said yesterday.