‘One off’ public holiday to honour Queen Elizabeth in Australia

September 22 has been declared a national day of mourning in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. Here’s what you need to know about the one-off public holiday.

As the world mourns the loss of its much-loved Queen, it also faces a range of changes.

The elevation of Her Majesty’s eldest son, Charles, to King will causes a ripple effect – including new currency, passports and any products that use the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom.

We’ll also celebrate a King’s Birthday public holiday from here on in. But there will be one last celebration of the Queen on September 22.

Why Australia declared September 22 a public holiday for Queen’s death

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared Thursday, September 22 a National Day of Mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II, meaning Australians will receive a one-off public holiday.

The day of mourning will include a memorial ceremony for the Queen, held in Canberra, and will follow her funeral on September 19.

Australia’s national day of mourning will be held on September 22, after the Queen’s funeral. Picture: Getty Images

“It will be a one-off national public holiday to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” Mr Albanese said.

“I spoke to all premiers and chief ministers yesterday and I’m writing to them formally this morning, they will have received their letters by now. They have all agreed that it’s appropriate that it be a one-off national public holiday,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth’s Reign

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest serving – and most popular – British monarch.

Her reign lasting 70 years and 214 days, starting in 1952 aged just 25. She continued to dedicate her life to the people until her death at age 96.

Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest serving monarch. Picture: Instagram

She was the second longest serving monarch in history, beaten by France’s King Louis XIV who reigned for 72 years and 110 days.

Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II leaves behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to the people of the Commonwealth.

As Britain’s longer-serving monarch, Her Majesty spent her entire life in service, setting the tone of her reign during a speech made in 1947, on her 21st birthday.

Queen Elizabeth II promised to serve the people of the Commonwealth for her entire life.

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

And that’s exactly what she did.

Challenges faced by Queen Elizabeth II

Over the decades of her reign, Queen Elizabeth has faced vast challenges.

One of the most memorable was the relationship between Her Majesty’s son – the now King Charles – and his first wife, Princess Diana.

Charles and Diana were married in 1981. Picture: AFP

The couple were marred by scandal, with Diana fiercely hounded by the British press, and swirling rumours of Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles – now the Queen Consort.

The couple officially separated in 1992, five years later, Diana was killed in a car crash, along with her partner Dodi Fayed and her driver, Henri Paul. They were reportedly fleeing paparazzi.

In more recent times, the Queen was forced to manage the fallout from her grandson, Prince Harry’s decision to quite the royal family.

The Queen faced royal controversy when Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, quit the royal family. Picture: Getty Images

Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle has endured constant controversy, as the pair openly spoke of their grievances with the royal family to the media.

“I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” the Queen said in a statement at the peak of the conflict.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Accomplishments

Aside from being the longest-serving British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has been credited for keeping the British monarchy both relevant and revered.

Widely considered progressive, the Queen was known for her ability to move with the times with both grace and humour.

The Queen was known for her sense of humour. Picture: Supplied

She was the first British monarch to address the US Congress. Her 15 minute address speech in 1991 received three standing ovations.

The Public Holiday

In New South Wales, the Queen’s public holiday will be treated similarly to Australia Day and New Year’s Day.

Shops and retailers can trade, along with pubs and restaurants, however banks and other financial institutions are expected to close.

Schoolchildren will have the day off.

On September 22 Australians will have a day off to mourn Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images

Victorians will end up with a four-day weekend, thanks to the Grand Final Day public holiday.

Pubs and restaurants will be free to open on both days. Schoolchildren will miss out though, with the public holiday falling on school holidays.

In South Australia, retailers will be allowed to trade between midday and 9pm as a mark of respect for the Queen. Banks, childcare centres and schools will also close.

Schools will close in Western Australia but in Queensland, students will miss out on the day off due to the school holidays.

In Tasmania, ACT and the Northern Territory, the public holiday will operate similarly to most other public holidays, with pubs and restaurants open, along with retail stores.

Originally published as ‘One off’ public holiday to honour Queen Elizabeth in Australia