SA to observe two-week period of mourning, public urged to attend proclamation of King Charles III

SA will offer free public transport as multiple roads in the CBD will close for the official proclamation of King Charles III today, on the steps of Parliament House. Get the details.

Premier Peter Malinauskas is encouraging South Australians to join in the historic proclamation of King Charles III today.

Mr Malinauskas said the event, which will be held on the steps of Parliament House on North Tce at 2pm Sunday, would be a historic moment in South Australia.

“This is an event we haven’t seen in South Australia for more than 70 years,” he said.

“The accession of a new monarch is significant and South Australians have the opportunity to share in this historic moment.

“I’d encourage South Australians to make the journey to North Terrace so they can be a part of this moment in history.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas signs the condolence book for the Queen at Government House. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Mariuz

To help South Australians attend the event, Mr Malinauskas will make all public transport free on Sunday.

Cabinet ministers will meet at 1.15pm to ratify the proclamation followed by an executive council meeting with Governor Frances Adamson.

Mr Malinauskas will lead the ceremony before the Governor reads the proclamation of the King.

Sunday’s event will be the first proclamation held since February 8, 1952 when Queen Elizabeth II became monarch after the death of her father King George VI.

From 8am Sunday in preparation for the event, multiple city roads will close until 4.30pm including:

-North Tce between King William St and Station Rd;

-Gresham St between Hindley St and North Tce;

-King William St (northbound lane only) between Currie St and North Tce;

-Bank St between Hindley St and North Tce.

Speed will be restricted to 25km/h surrounding the area during the mentioned hours.

Bus and tram stops will be closed in the direct vicinity of the event from 7.30am to 4.30pm Sunday, with no trams operating between Victoria Square, Entertainment Centre, Botanic and Festival Plaza and North Tce buses detouring.

Following news of the Queen’s death on Friday morning Australian time, Mr Malinauskas announced parliament would be suspended on Friday and Government House would be open from 7am to 9pm, giving South Australians the opportunity to sign a condolences book.

On Friday morning Mr Malinauskas and Ms Adamson observed the placement of “the hatchment”, a coat of arms featuring South Australia’s floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea and its animal emblem, the piping shrike, as well as the late Queen’s name, on Government Houses front gates.

Proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II on February 8, 1952. Picture: State Library SA

The hatchment was first hung outside Government House in 1901 after the death of Queen Victoria.

Hundreds of flowers have been laid at the base of Queen Elizabeth II’s statue at Government House since Thursday.

Mr Malinauskas paid tribute to the Queen, announcing that South Australia would observe a two-week period of mourning which began on Saturday and ends on September 23.

“On behalf of the government of South Australia we today mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second,’’ he said.

“This is an incredibly significant and important day in the lives of many South Australians and freedom loving people right around the world.

“The Queen’s dedication to her duty, compassion for her people, and her steadfastness during an unprecedented period of change is truly unmatched.”

Governor Frances Adamson with at flowers at the base of the statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Government House. Picture: Brenton Edwards

A projection of Her Majesty the late Queen on Government house, Adelaide. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

All public transport will be free on Sunday to encourage attendance.

Other official events include:

State church service

The official service will be at St Peter’s Cathedral, but at an undecided date after the royal funeral.

Flags and banners

Any group or individual flying a flag is asked to fly it at half mast. Banners honouring Her Majesty have been erected along King William St in the city.

Porch lights.

People are encouraged to leave their porch lights on as a sign of respect.

State parliament

Parliament will be suspended for a 14-day mourning period after messages of condolences on September 20.

Lights on the Adelaide Oval to mark the passing of the Queen. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Condolence books

The books will be available for signing at Government House, Adelaide Town Hall, Playford Civic Centre, and all state electoral offices.

Online messages can be posted at https://www.dpc.sa.gov.au/observances

Flowers and written tributes

These can be left at the statue of Her Majesty in the grounds of Government House.

Government House is open to the public between 7am and 9pm for the official 14-day observance period.

Lighting

Landmarks will be lit in “warm white”, and an image of Her Majesty will be projected on to Government House.