Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with British Prime Minister Liz Truss
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and newly appointed British Prime Minister Liz Truss have shared an emotional phone call.
The Australian and British Prime Ministers have consoled each other in an emotional phone call after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke during a phone call early on Friday evening Australian time.
The Australian Prime Minister offered his sincere condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and the British Prime Minister gave her condolences to Australians during this sad time.
I have expressed my condolences on behalf of the Australian people on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Prime Minister @trussliz in a phone call tonight
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 9, 2022
The two leaders spoke about the Queen’s remarkable life, legacy, and dedication to duty. They agreed she had touched the lives of many around the world.
“We talked about the depth of mourning that is occurring in the United Kingdom but I also conveyed the feeling, the depth of sadness, of the Australian people at the loss of Queen Elizabeth II,” Mr Albanese said on Saturday.
During the phone call, Mr Albanese also congratulated Ms Truss on her election and the leaders committed to strengthening the deep connection between our two nations.
The Australian leader is expected to travel to London in the coming days to attend the Queen’s funeral and to meet with King Charles III.
During Friday evening’s phone call, he confirmed he will also be meeting with newly-appointed Prime Minister Truss while in the United Kingdom.
In a televised national address on Friday, he said the country had lost a “wise and enduring presence” when Queen Elizabeth II was confirmed dead at 6.30pm local time in Scotland.
“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.”
Mr Albanese said it was clear the monarch and Australia shared a “special love” during her 70-year reign.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia a total of 16 times during her rule, the first being soon after her coronation in 1954. Millions of Australians gathered to see the young queen.
“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,” Mr Albanese said.
Mr Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Governor-General David Hurley will meet at Parliament House on Saturday morning to lay a wreath in tribute to the Queen.
Flags will fly at half-mast across the country until her majesty’s funeral is held.