Queen Elizabeth dead at 96: Buckingham Palace confirms death
Details of how Australia will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II have been revealed, as the world mourns the loss of the 96-year-old monarch.
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The Government has revealed some of the details about how the Commonwealth will mark the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96.
A 96 gun salute was staged at Parliament House in Canberra at 5pm, one for each year of the Queen’s life.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate opened a book of condolences in Parliament’s foyer on Friday morning which will be signed by members of Canberra’s diplomatic corp.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signed the Members’ Condolence Book writing the following:
“On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of Australia, our sincere condolences on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Australia pays tribute to a life devoted to duty, family, faith and service that has brought such affection for Her Majesty over 70 years. We express our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia.”
Members of the public may leave flowers on Queen’s Terrace at Parliament but officials said Buckingham Palace has requested mourners to instead make a donation to charity.
The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated on Friday night for two nights in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Dominic Perrottet said the lighting the Opera House sails served as a fitting tribute to Her late Majesty.
The sails will be lit up over two nights from 7.30pm Friday to midnight and from 6.30pm Saturday to midnight.
Flags across Australia have been lowered to half-mast but will be at full mast on Sunday when the Governor-General David Hurley officially proclaims King Charles as King of Australia.
That proclamation will be read by Mr Hurley at 10am in the forecourt of Parliament.
A meeting of the full Executive Council, comprising every minister of the government, will meet that morning at Government House to witness the proclamation.
Flags across Australia will then be lowered to half-mast again at dusk on Sunday and remain in that state for the remaining 14 days of mourning.
The change of Monarch requires changes to many of Australia’s official documents.
Queens’ Counsels will from Friday be known as Kings’ Counsels.
The Australian Mint will begin issuing coins from next year with His Majesty’s head in place of the Queen’s.
The longest-serving monarch in British history ruled for 70 years as the Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as the head of state of the Commonwealth.
Her death follows that of her beloved husband Prince Philip in April 2021 at the age of 99, and the triumph of her platinum jubilee in June.
The death of the much-loved monarch plunged Britain into mourning, with large crowds beginning to form outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to lay flowers and offer sympathy to the royal family.
TRIBUTES FOR AUSTRALIA’S ‘SOVEREIGN’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation just after 6.30am on Friday and confirmed he would be travelling to the United Kingdom next week with Governor-General David Hurley to meet with King Charles III and attend the Queen’s funeral.“We will convey the sorrow of Australians as well as our best wishes to him and the Queen Consort as he takes on his duties as sovereign,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that “an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end”.
“Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole,” he said in a statement.
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’”
He praised her support for Australia through more than half the life of our Federation.
“From her famous first trip to Australia, the only reigning sovereign to ever visit, it was clear Her Majesty held a special place in her heart for Australia,” Mr Albanese said.
“Fifteen more tours before cheering crowds in every part of our country confirmed the special place she held in ours.”
“Today marks the end of an era, the close of the second Elizabethan age. This time of mourning will pass but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade.”
Mr Albanese said the Queen was a “rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change” during her reign, saying she “embodied and exhibited a timeless decency and an enduring calm.”
“From the moment the young princess became Queen, shouldering the mighty weight of the institution into which she was born, Her Majesty made dedication to duty and service above self the hallmark of her reign,” he said.
“She celebrated our good times, she stood with us in the bad. Happy and glorious but steadfast too. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that while the Queen’s “historic reign and long life has come to an end”, his state’s “deep affection and respect for Her Majesty lives on”.
“Like no monarch before her, she captured our hearts and our affection. We treasured her, and the entire world respected her,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“Queen Elizabeth II served with grace and uncompromising dignity – she raised the bar and blazed a path for women in power to follow.”
“And through many of our darkest hours, through war and catastrophe, her steady hand and unwavering strength stood as a symbol of hope and assurance when it was needed most.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet extended his deepest sympathies on behalf of the people of NSW.
“She has been an inspiration to the global community and here in New South Wales, visiting our state 12 times,” he said.
“As the first reigning monarch to visit our nation, Queen Elizabeth set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 at Farm Cove in Sydney Harbour where an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people greeted her.”
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Queen’s death meant “a comforting warmth has left the world”.
“One of humanity’s brightest lights has gone out,” he said.
“Never in modern history has there been a more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader, or a more decent human than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Mr Dutton paid tribute to her as a monarch “who ruled with an empathetic heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience”.
Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd said the Queen’s affection for Australia was “as profound as it was enduring”.
“For most of us, the Queen’s presence has been a constant fixture in our lives. She will be remembered not only for the longevity of her reign, but also for her steadfastness, her sense of duty and her devotion to family,” he said.
“Whether republicans or monarchists, Australians will be deeply affected by this news. My family’s thoughts are with the Royal Family, who have not only lost their monarch, but a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”
Former Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull told the Today Show that Her Majesty as “one of the most inspiring leaders,” and “an example to us all”.
“Everyone is united in grief right now,” he said.
“The continuity that she represented has been an enormous source of reassurance.
“She had a charm and a calm, and the calm was as important as the charm, putting people at ease.
“The perfect host when welcoming people into her home.”
An emotional Dame Quentin Bryce, Australia’s former Governor General, told the ABC that a dedicated and selfless Queen Elizabeth II “always put her at ease.”
“It is a sad day,” Dame Quentin said.
“I think it’s also been a shock to us because we were all aware the Queen’s health was failing but somehow we thought she’d be there for a while yet.”
Dame Quentin shared fond memories of The Queen dating back to when she was a small child and at age 11 when Her Majesty first visited Australia.
“I have so many memories rushing through my mind as people of my generation would,” she said.
“I was a little girl of the 40s when we followed the princesses, particularly the wedding and the coronation but then this marvelous thing happened in our lives.
“I think when I was about 11 or so when she actually came to Australia, the real Queen, the first sovereign to come here.”
Among her many cherished memories with Her Majesty, Dame Quentin singled out one particular visit to Balmoral Castle before being sworn in as Australia’s 25th Governor General.
“I remember particularly the way when I first met her in some of the early meetings when I was Governor of Queensland, how she always put me at ease and never more so than when Michael and I went to stay at Balmoral, just before I was sworn in as Governor General,” Dame Quentin said.
“I remember how surprised we were at the sort of homeliness of the place, all the bikes and chaos at the front entrance and The Queen took us on a wonderful tour of Balmoral, up through the header, it was all just beautiful gardens... The Queen driving her range rover, such a happy time there.
“I also remember during that time a one-to-one meeting I had with her -and there were several of those across the years- where I always appreciated her forthright candid discussions.
“It wasn’t just a conversation that talked about the weather and gardens or how things were, but conversations that had a purpose to them.”
Australian Monarchist League national chair Philip Benwell said she had visited Australia 16 times during her reign as Queen of 70 years and 215 days.
“The Queen’s selfless sense of service, her warm character, devotion to her family, and endearing smile will remain in the hearts of Australians for generations,” he said
“Like the Queen, her son and heir Charles has served Australians selflessly, dutifully and with distinction, visiting Australia on 16 occasions himself, including a part of his education at Geelong Grammar.”
“Australia’s new King, who has trained for this role his entire life, was heir apparent for seventy years – the longest in Australian history. Australians can take comfort in the knowledge that their new King will unequivocally continue the longstanding traditions, dutiful service and vital constitutional role which epitomised our late Queen.”
“Therefore, may we state that ancient chant which has echoed throughout the world for over a millennium: The Queen is dead, long live the King.”
RSPCA NSW has also joined the chorus, paying tribute to Her Majesty’s love of animals.
“Our community of staff and volunteers at RSPCA NSW are incredibly sad to hear about the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the RSPCA posted on Facebook.
“During her 70-year reign, The Queen displayed love and kindness towards all creatures, great and small. She had a passion for horses, and adored being in the company of her beloved Corgis,” the post continues.
“Her Majesty was a Patron of several animal charities, including the RSPCA in England and Wales.
“The RSPCA received royal approval in Australia in 1923, becoming known as the Royal Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As an organisation, we are proud of our royal heritage and rich history.
“We would like to thank Her Majesty for her commitment to animal welfare, and for showing the world how loyal and special the bond between animals and humans can be.
“Today, we join the community in sending our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom.
“May she rest in eternal peace.”
SHE WAS OUR ROCK: TRUSS
British Prime Minister Liz Truss said the death of the Queen was “a huge shock to the nation and to the world”.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” she said.
“In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends - across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world - to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service.
“She was the very spirit of Great Britain – and that spirit will endure. She has been our longest-ever reigning monarch. It is an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years,” Ms Truss said.
She continued: “Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories. In return, she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.
“It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy. Today the Crown passes - as it is has done for more than a thousand years - to our new monarch, our new head of state: His Majesty King Charles III.”
Ms Truss asked the British public to “come together” to support King Charles III.
“To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all. We offer him our loyalty and devotion just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long.
“And with the passing of the second Elizabethan age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country - exactly as Her Majesty would have wished - by saying the words: God save the King.”
Boris Johnson, whose reign as Britain’s prime minister ended this week, said: “This is our country’s saddest day because she had a unique and simple power to make us happy.”
“That is why we loved her. That is why we grieve for Elizabeth the Great, the longest serving and in many ways the finest monarch in our history,” Mr Johnson said.
“It was one of her best achievements that she not only modernised the constitutional monarchy, but produced an heir to her throne who will amply do justice to her legacy, and whose own sense of duty is in the best traditions of his mother and his country.”
“Though our voices may still be choked with sadness, we can say with confidence the words not heard in this country for more than seven decades. God Save The King.”
WORLD LEADERS REACT
US President Joe Biden described her as “more than a monarch - she defined an era”.
Mr Biden said “she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom,” when he visited the UK in 2021.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, said she was woken to the news by a police officer shining a torch into her bedroom at 04:50 to wake her.
“She was extraordinary... The last days of the Queen’s life captures who she was in so many ways, working to the very end on behalf of the people she loved,” Ms Ardern said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recalled The Queen’s “wonderful humour”. In a statement, he said “her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War Two will remain unforgotten”.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said she had “an obvious deep and abiding love for Canadians”.
“In a complicated world, her steady grace and resolve brought comfort to us all,” the prime minister said, adding that he would miss their “chats” where she was “thoughtful, wise, curious, helpful, funny and so much more”.
“She was one of my favourite people in the world, and I will miss her so,” he said.
Emmanuel Macron said she was “a kind-hearted queen” who was “a friend of France”.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the Queen’s death.
“She was a good friend to the UN and a reassuring presence through decades of change. Her unwavering, lifelong dedication will be long remembered,” he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping o offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people”.
“Xi Jinping, representing the Chinese government and the Chinese people, as well as in his own name, expresses deep condolences,” a statement said, adding: “Her passing is a great loss to the British people.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his condolences to King Charles III, wishing the new monarch “courage and resilience” after his mother’s passing.
“The most important events of the United Kingdom’s recent history are inextricably bound with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed her subjects’ love and respect as well as authority on the world stage,” Putin said, according to a Kremlin statement.
Pope Francis, in a message to King Charles III, said he would “invoke an abundance of divine blessings as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord”.
“I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises,” he said.
“Commending her noble soul to the merciful goodness of our Heavenly Father, I assure Your Majesty of my prayers that Almighty God will sustain you with his unfailing grace as you now take up your high responsibilities as King.”
Australia’s High Commission in the United Kingdom - currently led by acting high commissioner Lynette Wood - said that “Australians and Britons are united in their grief”.
“The Queen devoted her life to us. Australia and the United Kingdom have shared in the long and consequential reign of Queen Elizabeth the Second,” the commission’s statement said.
“We stand as one to convey our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would never forget her warmth and kindness, and would always cherish her showing him the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding.
Former US President Bill Clinton said: “Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people. In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity, and strength.”
CELEBRITIES REACT
Helen Mirren, 77, who famously played The Queen on film and on stage, said she was “proud to be an Elizabethan”.
In a post on Instagram, the Oscar-winning star wrote: ‘I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.’
Elton John, who has a longstanding relationship with the monarchy including performing at Princess Diana’s funeral, said she was “an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth”.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly,” he said.
Rolling Stones icon Mick Jagger shared the impact Her Majesty had on his early life.
“In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation,” he said.
Spice Girls superstar Victoria Beckham also paid tribute to the “steadfast” monarch.
“Today is a very sad day for the entire world. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen,” she said.
“She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this time.”
Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
On the other side of the globe, Australians woke to the news of the Queen’s passing early on Friday morning.
Homegrown talents Tina Arena and Kylie Minogue were some of the first to pay their respects.
Tina Arena labelled Her Majesty’s passing as the “end of an era”.
“The end of an era. A reign like no other. Our Queen Elizabeth who will be missed. Rest in peace,” she wrote.
Kylie Minogue similarly expressed her condolences.
“The occasions I had the honour of being in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, her energy, compassion and aura had a most singular brilliance,” she said.
“I was, and am, in awe. My deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest in Peace.”
New Zealand actor Russell Crowe shared a brief but pleasant message.
“Thank you for your service Elizabeth. My condolences to your family,” he wrote.
QUEEN’S INCREDIBLE REIGN
Her death has come at a delicate time for the monarchy, with the retirement of Prince Andrew in disgrace over his connections to the deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle removing themselves from royal life.
The Queen’s eldest son, 73-year-oldPrince Charles, has immediately assumed the mantle of King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, although his coronation will not take place for several months.
Palace courtiers and government officials have begun urgent work on the succession plan to ensure a smooth transition to the new king.
Work has also begun on arranging the final details for the Queen’s funeral, which will be attended by heads of state from around the world.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will be known as Camilla, the Queen Consort.
Charles will also take over the Queen’s duties as commander-in-chief of the British armed forces, and head of the Church of England.
Her death came as a terrible shock to the nation, which had been ruled by Her Majesty for an astounding seven decades. Flags across the country are being flown at half-mast as the period of official mourning begins.
During her long rule she has overcome numerous personal tragedies and challenges with her famous stoicism.
Born on April 21, 1926, Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary became Queen at the age of just 25 when her father, King George VI, died from lung cancer on February 6, 1952.
She was in a remote area in Kenya when her father died, on her way to represent him on a diplomatic visit to Australia and New Zealand, and she didn’t find out until the next day that she had just become Queen.
Her accession to the throne followed a number of ancient royal traditions: she was crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953, the same venue which had witnessed the coronations of Britain’s monarchs for the past 900 years.
The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the coronation service, as had been the case since the Norman Conquest in 1066.
And yet Elizabeth was a rather modern monarch, and was supportive of law changes in 2011 which allowed daughters to become the sovereign if they were firstborn, rather than making way for their younger brothers.
As well, a 300-year-old law banning royals from marrying Catholics was abolished during her reign.
Fifteen British prime ministers have served under the Queen, from Sir Winston Churchill to the incumbent Liz Truss. Harold Wilson served under her twice as prime minister.
She maintained her tradition of meeting the prime minister for 30 minutes each week parliament was sitting.
Queen Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-serving monarch, overtaking the previous record held by Queen Victoria, who served for 63 years between 1837 and 1901.
The affection the British people felt for her was palpable during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. Despite failing health, she was able to participate in a couple of public events, including an appearance on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
She is survived by her four children – Charles, the Prince of Wales; Anne, the Princess Royal; Andrew, the Duke of York; and Edward, the Earl of Wessex.
She also had eight grandchildren – princes William and Harry, Beatrice, Eugenie, Peter, Zara, Louise and James – and 12 great-grandchildren, including the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – young Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – and Harry and Meghan’s two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Originally published as Queen Elizabeth dead at 96: Buckingham Palace confirms death
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