Leaked plans reveal how Australia will respond to news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Top secret recently revised plans showing how Australia will respond to news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II have been revealed.
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Secret plans outlining how Australia will respond to the death of Queen Elizabeth II revealed there could be a public holiday.
Queen Elizabeth has died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after Buckingham Palace revealed she was under medical supervision amid escalating concerns for her health.
The Royal Family confirmed her death around 8.30pm local time (3.30am AEST). She was 96 years old.
Australia's plans for after the Queen's death were contained in a leaked updated brief prepared for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year.
Under the plan Mr Albanese would have been informed of the Queen’s death about one hour before a Buckingham Palace public statement was sent out at 3.30am AEST.
A national day of commemoration, likely to be a public holiday, could form part of Australia’s response to the news, according to the plans obtained by The Australian.
After the Queen's death, Mr Albanese is likely to 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.
Flags will flown at half-mast for the 10 days, except on the day of Prince Charles’ accession to the throne. Bells will ring at churches across Australia.
While Charles will become King Charles III immediately after the Queen’s death, members of the Accession Council will meet to officially proclaim him King at St James’s Palace at 10am on the day after the Queen’s passing.
A special meeting of the Executive Council in Australia will also be held to proclaim Charles as King of Australia.
Governor-General David Hurley will read the proclamation at Parliament House and announce the King’s Australian title, which is expected to be: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
Mr Albanese and the Governor-General will be flown on RAAF planes to England for the Queen’s funeral which will take place at Westminster Abbey 10 days after her death.
A small group of up to 12 Australians from all walks of life — including First Australians, sport, community and charity representatives — will also be invited.
In Australia, a state funeral will be held, as well as a special service at an Anglican cathedral.
If not scheduled to sit, parliament will be recalled for members to express their condolences.
After her death, the Queen’s coffin will be transported from her home at Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace, where it will remain for four days.
It will then be taken to Westminster Hall to lie in state for another four days.
At 96 years of age, the Queen was the longest reigning British monarch.
She became Queen in 1952 when she was aged 27.
Originally published as Leaked plans reveal how Australia will respond to news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II
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