Australia falls silent in solemn tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

The country fell silent at 11am in a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, as a national memorial service was held in Canberra.

Politicians and leaders gathered in Canberra to farewell Queen Elizabeth II in a memorial service, two weeks after her death.

The nation was granted a one-off public holiday on Thursday to officially mourn Britain’s longest-serving monarch, just a day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley returned from the Queen’s funeral in London.

Mr Albanese said the day would “allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth”.

More than 600 Australians gathered in the Great Hall at Parliament House for the official memorial service for Her Majesty.

The service began at 10.45am with a smoking procession by the Wiradjuri Echoes as Mr Albanese and other politicians were led into the hall.

It was followed by a hymn from the Australian Girls Choir ahead of the minute of silence shortly before 11am.

The whole room sat transfixed as the Australian girls choir began the service with a rendition of “Here I am, lord”.

The room, which included emergency service personnel, school children of all ages, scouts and service men and women, then fell quiet for a minute’s silence.

Australian leaders gathered in Canberra to farewell Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Picture: Daniel Leal / AFP

The Prime Minister encouraged all Australians to participate in the minute of silence to honour the Queen.

It was followed by the Australian Anthem performed by Anthony Callea.

Leaders from every state and territory were among those in attendance, including federal politicians, state governors, premiers and ambassadors.

Representatives from schools, scouts and first responders also fronted Parliament House for the service.

MC Melissa Doyle gave a welcome speech, saying Queen Elizabeth II touched the lives of “millions of Australians”.

“Over 16 visits, the Queen travelled the length and breadth of our vast continent, touching the lives of millions of Australians as she went,” Ms Doyle said.

Ngunnawal Elder, Aunty Violet Sheridan, delivered the Welcome to Country.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Governor-General David Hurley, who were led into the service by a smoking ceremony by the Wiradjuri Echoes. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The Governor-General said while the Queen’s passing was inevitable, it “struck with an impact that has exceeded any expectation here in Australia, in the United Kingdom and indeed, across the globe”.

“Today is a sad day,” Mr Hurley said.

“Amongst the sadness, though, it is also a day of reflection and celebration, a day to recognise what it means to have lived in the second Elizabethan age, to ponder what lessons we can and should draw in the months and years to come.”

Mr Hurley acknowledged his time in London for the Queen’s funeral.

He said his experience in London was “something bigger than us, but still very personal” and spoke of an early-morning walk through Green Park.

“Even in the early hours it was crowded. But people weren’t taking selfies or posing, they were respectful of each other, but largely contained in their own intimate and individual reflections,” Mr Hurley said.

Former Prime Ministers Paul Keating, John Howard and Scott Morrison at the national memorial service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

He said Her Majesty shared in Australia’s growth and change during her reign and respected the will of the Australian people.

“Her Majesty, through her influence, decency and devotion to others, has set a tone for our progress and change. That example of bringing people together with empathy and respect is one that can guide us into the future,” Mr Hurley said.

“Noting all the change during the Queen‘s 70-year reign and all that will change in Australia in the next 70 years, there is a timeless quality that we can draw from Her Majesty.”

He said Queen Elizabeth had the power to “unite us” and “draw people together” while demonstrating “tireless and selfless service” and devotion to duty.

“Her Majesty epitomised servant leadership and, particularly in this age of extreme individualism, set an example of living and serving for something greater than herself,” Mr Hurley said.

Preparations for the National Memorial Service for Queen Elizabeth II at Parliament House. Picture: Martin Ollman / Getty Images

Mr Albanese gave a speech about the Queen, where he said the minute’s silence was a moment of “national unity”.

He said the ceremony was to offer Australia’s thanks for the monarch’s dedicated service.

“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, was the longest-serving monarch in the history of a centuries-old institution,” the Prime Minister said.

“Her reign spanned more than half the life of our modern Federation. And we proudly honour her memory today on a continent home to the world’s oldest culture, paying respect to traditional owners and elders past, present and emerging.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also gave a speech, also saying Queen Elizabeth II “tirelessly” served her people.

He said if anything, the Queen will be remembered for her service and sacrifice.

“Service and sacrifice, fortitude and humility, grace and generosity, forgiveness and empathy,” Mr Dutton said.

“Virtues and values which we all admire, but which are under pressure in the modern age.”

Originally published as Australia falls silent in solemn tribute to Queen Elizabeth II