Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responds to Queen’s death

Anthony Albanese has addressed the nation following the death of Queen Elizabeth, with a telling detail revealing what Australia can expect next.

Anthony Albanese has addressed the nation on the passing of Queen Elizabeth, confirming he will travel to London in the coming days to attend her funeral and meet King Charles III.

“Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most of us have known, and the only one to ever visit Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and turbulence of the years, she embodies and exhibited a timeless decency and enduring calm.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Queen had a special place in our hearts.

A national day of commemoration, likely to be a public holiday, could form part of Australia’s response to the news.

Mr Albanese wore wear a special black tie to mark the Queen’s passing.

The tie has been carried around by staff of recent prime ministers and governors-general in preparation for the news.

In the period between the Queen’s death and funeral, Commonwealth countries will observe 10 days of mourning and remembrance.

But in Australia there will not be an official mourning period. The Prime Minister will declare the day of the National Memorial Service a National Day of Mourning.

The Prime Minister and Governor-General will travel to London in coming days to meet King Charles, and offer the nation’s condolences.

Members of the public stop in the rain to study a huge picture of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II displayed at Piccadilly Circus in central London. Picture: Ben Stansall / AFP

“From her first trip here, it was clear Her Majesty had a special place in our hearts, and we, in hers,” Mr Albanese said.

From the moment Her Majesty became Queen at 25, her dedication to duty and service were one of the “hallmarks of her reign”, the Prime Minister said.

Over seven million Australians, or 70 per cent of the population, turned out to catch a glimpse of the young Queen when she visited Australia for the first time in 1954, just eight months after her coronation.

“Today marks the end of an era – the close of the second Elizabethan age,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese said the Queen’s death marked the end of an era. Picture: PMO

“This time of mourning will pass, but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians have always held for Her Majesty, will never fade. May she rest in eternal peace.”

The royal family confirmed her death around 8.30pm local time (3.30am AEDT). She was 96 years old.

Her son, now King Charles III, has described the passing of his mother as a great day of sadness.

Governor-General David Hurley said plans for national mourning will be announced in the coming days.

“She was a truly remarkable person. As our Queen, she served our nation with distinction for more than 70 years,” he said.

“When I reflect on my own memories – and she was my Queen for my entire life – I think of Her Majesty’s dignity and her compassion.

Governor-General David Hurley said the Queen was a remarkable person.

“Her death will sadden all Australians and be felt around the world. As we mourn, we should also take inspiration and give thanks for the remarkable contribution Her Majesty has made.

“May she rest in peace. God Save the King.”

The Governor-General will deliver a formal address about the Queen’s death to the nation on Friday evening.

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 in a statement.

“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.”

The flag at Parliament House in the process of being dropped.

What happens next?

Flags at Parliament House and all government buildings across Australia will be dropped to half-mast out of respect.

Condolence books will be made available at Parliament House, Government House and online for people to pay tribute.

At dusk on Friday, there will be a gun salute, with one round fired for each year of the Queen’s life at 10-second intervals.

On Saturday, Mr Albanese, Mr Dutton and the Governor-General will lay a wreath at Parliament House.

The Governor-General will then be reading the proclamation of a new sovereign in Canberra, which will be followed by a 21-gun salute.

Parliament, which was due to return next week, will be suspended.

MPs and senators will instead make their way back to Canberra in October, when the next sitting week is scheduled, where condolence motions will be held.