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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Josh Taylor, Amy Remeikis and Christopher Knaus (earlier)

Australia reacts to monarch’s passing – as it happened

Queen Elizabeth and Julia Gillard
Queen Elizabeth II with then-Australian prime minister Julia Gillard at Parliament House in Canberra in 2011. Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has died at the age of 96. Photograph: Andrew Meares/AAP

Australia remembers Queen Elizabeth II

We will wrap up our coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II here on what has been a heavy and momentous day not just in Australia or the Commonwealth but around the world.

We have seen tributes from not only the current prime minister, Anthony Albanese, but also every one of his living predecessors, as well as politicians, business leaders, and people across Australia.

Federal and state parliaments have been suspended for at least next week, while Victorian MPs will need to be sworn in again next week.

Flags across the country have been lowered to half mast, and there was a 96-gun salute at parliament house in Canberra on Friday evening.

The ceremonies will continue in the coming days across Australia.

Tomorrow, a wreath ceremony will be held at the Queen’s Terrace at Parliament House, attended by the PM, GG, opposition leader and dignitaries.

The governor general will read the proclamation of sovereign at the Australian parliament, announcing Charles III as king.

In about a week’s time, Anthony Albanese and David Hurley will travel to the UK to meet with King Charles and attend the queen’s funeral.

You can follow our UK colleagues continuing their coverage here, and we will be back with you tomorrow morning with all the latest.

Updated

The Catholic archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as “a wonderful Christian woman”.

While Her Majesty was not born to rule, posterity will record her reign as a benchmark against which leaders will be judged for generations to come.

Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a model of public service and dedication to duty. Her Majesty’s calmness under pressure, ability to comfort her people and her steadfastness in the face of adversity have been a source of inspiration for our country since her coronation in 1953.

In her passing, we remember the Queen as a Christian who loved her Lord, spoke of her faith in her Christmas messages, attended Church, prayed regularly, and treated with great courtesy all those she met.

The Queen spoke often of her love for Australia. Her visits were fewer in later years, but the warmth Australians felt for her has endured.

Many words will be spoken about the virtues, wisdom, and service of the Queen but for today we are all quietly united in awe at her life’s work and in sorrow at its ending.

I pray God grants eternal rest to his servant and comfort to King Charles III and his family during this time of mourning.

Updated

Just a couple more additions to the list of landmarks in Melbourne lighting up purple tonight, via City of Melbourne council:

  • Chinatown lighting panels

  • Sandridge Bridge

  • Evan Walker Bridge

  • Federation Bridge

Updated

Parliament House marks death of the Queen

Parliament House is marking the death of the Queen with a gun salute on the building’s forecourt – one shot for each year of her life, for 96 shots.

Many hundreds of people have assembled at the building’s entrance, with hundreds more lining streets around the area.

We can see many federal politicians, including Bill Shorten, Milton Dick, Sue Lines, Mark Dreyfus and Patrick Gorman, while senior staff from the prime minister’s office are also in attendance.

Updated

Melbourne landmarks to light up in purple to honour Queen

Landmarks across Melbourne will light up in purple tonight as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.

The locations include:

  • Fed Square

  • Melbourne Town Hall

  • Royal Exhibition Building

  • National Gallery of Victoria

  • Flinders Street Station

  • Bolte Bridge

  • Tullamarine Sound Tube

  • Melbourne Recital Centre

  • Rod Laver Arena

  • AAMI Park

  • John Cain Arena

  • Arts Centre Melbourne

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground

  • Shrine of Remembrance

  • ACMI

Updated

Attorney general Mark Dreyfus updates Twitter handle from QC to KC

I notice the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has quickly changed his username on Twitter from MarkDreyfusQCMP to MarkDreyfusKCMP – in line with the change of his and all senior counsel who previously held the title of Queen’s Counsel (QC).

It is now King’s Counsel (KC).

Updated

Eric Abetz says Queen provided stability amid ‘rough and tumble of daily politics’

The former Liberal senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz, who was recently appointed as chair of the Australian Monarchist League after being ousted from parliament at the May election, said in a statement that all Australians are mourning the passing of “the only monarch most Australians have known”.

He said:

Having selflessly devoted herself to duty and service for 70 years and 215 days Her Majesty is an example to all.

Her devotion to duty and service was highlighted by her 16 visits to Australia which were all occasions where Australians were able to show their deep affection to Her Majesty our constitutional monarch.

Her Majesty saw 15 Australian Prime Ministers come and go providing a stability and focus and framework above the rough and tumble of daily politics.

Having had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty on a number of occasions I have seen first-hand her graciousness and commitment.

Australians have been blessed to have had Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of Australia for well over half of our nation’s existence as the Commonwealth of Australia.

As the nation mourns the loss of our beloved queen we wish His Majesty King Charles III a long, happy and fulfilling reign as King of Australia.

Updated

Julia Gillard remembers 'strong and steadfast' Queen

Former prime minister Julia Gillard has remembered the Queen as “strong and steadfast but also kind and [with] an engaging sense of humour”.

Gillard – who was Australia’s prime minister between 2010 and 2013 – said the Queen had been a powerful presence for as long as any of us can remember.

She said:

She was a remarkable role model; responsibility for service thrust onto her as a young woman, and taken up with grace, devotion and dignity during her reign. The Queen will be remembered as a monarch who witnessed – and influenced – the trajectory of modern history.

Updated

More tributes from MPs, this time from the foreign minister and the minister for home affairs.

China’s president Xi Jinping offers condolences

China’s president Xi Jinping has offered his condolences, according to state media.

Around midday local time on Friday, Xi said the Queen was the first British monarch to visit China, and her death was a great loss to the British people.

According to China Daily, an official outlet:

Xi stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Britain relations and stands ready to work with King Charles III to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and their people.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is on ABC News, and says he was not surprised his successor and former rival – both in terms of leadership and for the republic debate - Malcolm Turnbull was moved to tears today discussing the death of the Queen.

He said we are “all Elizabethans”.

He says he is confident Australians will give King Charles “a fair go”. He says the monarchy provides stability.

“In a sense, nothing could be more certain than we had a queen and we will now have a king. I think that will be a subliminal comfort for people in the days, weeks and years ahead.”

He said he didn’t want to get into a “lengthy discussion” on the merits of different systems of government, but said the “wave of respect and emotion” that the Queen’s death had brought on would be a reminder of the great strengths of our current system.

Updated

If you ever wondered how Wikipedia pages are updated during a massive global event such as this, there’s a good Twitter thread on this below.

Updated

From the lord mayor of Perth.

AAP is reporting that Queensland will also be delaying the sitting of parliament next week as the other states and the federal parliament have also announced.

The premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, is urging his fellow South Australians to turn on their porch lights tonight in honour of the Queen.

Daniel Phillips and his two German Shepherds bring flowers to government house in Sydney.

Phillips’s first memory of the Queen was when she came to Sydney to officially open the Opera House in 1973.

Its sails will be illuminated tonight in her honour.

A man stands holding a bouquet of flowers and two leads attached to two German Shepherd dogs
Daniel Phillips and his two German Shepherds bring flowers to government house in Sydney. Photograph: Natasha May/The Guardian
A man places a bouquet of flowers at a fence
Daniel Phillips and his two German Shepherds bring flowers to government house in Sydney. Photograph: Natasha May/The Guardian

Updated

Scottish actor and Succession star Brian Cox is in Australia at the moment for a series of talks, and was on 2GB radio a short time ago and spoke about his memories of the Queen.

He said while he was not a monarchist, he saw her as “an extraordinary and amazing woman”.

He said:

She served the country well, but she served the people incredibly well and she was firm and constant and an example… of what it is to be a monarch. I doubt if we’ll ever see her like again.

Cox recalled that her coronation was when he was seven years old, and he met the Queen twice in his life – once when he was given a CBE and once when performing in Edinburgh.

He said he “couldn’t fault her”.

We don’t know how deeply she lived in all our lives because she was so much there and so much presence.

More tributes from MPs have been flowing in.

Josh Taylor will guide you through the next few hours.

Thank you so much for your time. Take care.

Updated

Paddington Bear has also paid tribute to the Queen on social media.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has had all the feels today

NSW parliament suspended for one week

New South Wales parliament will be adjourned for a week as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death on protocol advice from the federal government.

Members are being informed of the decision this afternoon.

With parliament due to sit next week, the premier, Dominic Perrottet, will move a motion to adjourn for one week.

Parliament will meet again from September 20.

Updated

Mourners uncertain of Australia’s future relationship with the monarchy

Wendy Fitzgerald and Sue Anderson were among those moved to tears at the St Andrews Service for the Queen.

Anderson had planned to come down from Newcastle to meet Fitzgerald at an exhibition in the city but in light of this morning’s news they changed their plans to first pay tribute to the Queen at St Andrews.

I’d heard that St Andrews had a condolence book… when we went in there and it happened to coincide with a service and they played God save the Queen. We should be saying the king now.”

They said the service was attended by people from all walks of life and ages, with a very sad mood pervading.

When they came outside they heard the bells tolled 96 times for the Queen’s age. Anderson said “if they weren’t, if they weren’t stopped, they were walking very respectfully.”

The two women described the Queen as a “mother figure” but said they were not as optimistic about Charles taking over.

He has big shoes to fill,” Anderson said. “We all loved Diana so much, I think that’s his problem, We loved Diana.”

Anderson feels as though Australia is now “in limbo” when it comes to the relationship with the monarchy.

There’s every chance that we might become a republic, which I think is a shame because they’re only figureheads but for stability,” Anderson said.

Updated

Only Victorian MPs have to swear allegiance to King Charles III immediately

And to answer a question – no, no one else other than Victorian MPs have to swear allegiance to the new monarch.

As the APH site reports:

When Parliament resumes, there is no requirement for parliamentarians to swear allegiance to the new Head of State, King Charles III, as their previous oaths or affirmations (as stipulated in the Constitution) are automatically carried over. Victoria is the only Australian jurisdiction where this is not the case, with its state Constitution requiring a new oath or affirmation before its parliamentarians can sit or vote.


Updated

Parliament website in ‘obituary mode’

Opening up a Australian parliament website at the moment takes you to ‘obituary mode’ where the screen goes black and this message is shown:

In memoriam

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday, 8 September 2022

Queen Elizabeth served the Commonwealth for 70 years. She had a deep affection for Australia and its people, visiting on many occasions to perform official functions, including opening Parliament House in 1988. The Parliament of Australia sends its deepest condolences to her family and will commemorate her life in coming days.

Updated

People are paying tribute to the Queen in their own ways

Currency bearing Queen Elizabeth’s likeness still legal

It might seem strange, but there have been a lot of queries about Australia’s currency – which features an image of the Queen – and whether it can still be used.

It can. It remains legal tender.

The RBA has a statement here about the $5 in particular:

The Reserve Bank of Australia wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the royal family following news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

There will be no immediate change to Australian banknotes. The $5 banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen can continue to be used. They will not be withdrawn and are likely to remain in circulation for years to come.

The reigning monarch has traditionally appeared on the lowest denomination of Australian banknote. The Reserve Bank will provide further updates in due course.

We reported a little bit earlier this morning that treasury and the mint have been working together on a representation of King Charles III for some time. But the first coins with the new monarch’s face are unlikely to be in circulation until 2023. Coins with the Queen’s face will remain in circulation and are legal tender.

Australian currency bearing an image of Queen Elizabeth II is still legal tender, even after her death
Australian currency bearing an image of Queen Elizabeth II is still legal tender, even after her death. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Updated

Rounding out the tributes from organisations of which Queen Elizabeth was a patron:

Australian Physiotherapy Association:

We pay our respects to the decades of service she gave to the Commonwealth. We admire the grace and dignity with which she led her life of duty.”

Racing Victoria (For The Australian Racing Museum):

Racing Victoria extends its heartfelt condolences following the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. An avid racegoer, breeder and owner, Queen Elizabeth’s love of the horse and thoroughbred racing was an unmistakable characteristic of her reign.”

Australian Medical Association:

The AMA pays tribute to the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II and acknowledges the many intersections that the medical profession in Australia has with organisations enjoying royal patronage. The AMA acknowledges the Queen’s selfless service and expresses our condolences to her family.”

Updated

Those tributes continue:

Australian Red Cross:

Australian Red Cross pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of her death. Her Majesty was a supporter of the work of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement across the world, including in Australia.”

Melbourne Children’s hospital:

We will always be proud of our long association with the Queen and send our sympathies to HRH King Charles and the royal family, and thank them for the special relationship the RCH was privileged to enjoy during Her Majesty’s reign.”

Melbourne’s Royal Women’s hospital:

The Women’s is a strong supporter of gender equity, so we are grateful for the Queen’s example of female leadership which was admired by many people.”

Updated

The Queen was a patron to 27 Australian organisations

AAP has pulled together tributes from some of those organisations:

RSL Australia:

She dedicated her life to the service of her nation and the peoples of the Commonwealth and never shirked this great responsibility. The RSL will be forever grateful for her commitment, encouragement and support for our veterans and service personnel.”

Scouts Australia:

Her outstanding example of service, encouragement and kindness was an inspiration to us all.”

Anglican Mothers Union Australia:

We will always remember her intelligence and humility in making wise decisions, her charm and sense of humour, and her sincere caring and gentleness.

Hers was a life born to serve God and all humanity and her legacy will live on in so many ways.”

Royal Melbourne hospital:

The Royal Melbourne hospital extends our deepest condolences to the royal family on the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen was a much-loved patron of the RMH since taking her reign in 1952.”

Updated

“It’s just like losing your grandmother,” Eric Third told Natasha May outside Government House in Sydney.

Eric Third visited Government House to sign the book of condolences for the Queen.
Eric Third visited Government House to sign the book of condolences for the Queen. Photograph: Natasha May/The Guardian

Updated

Protocols and ceremonies to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Over the next couple of days, there is more to come:

* A proclamation ceremony will be held at Parliament House in Canberra. This event is open to the public, subject to public health restrictions in force at the time.

* The governor general will read the proclamation on the forecourt of Parliament House and this will be followed by a 21-gun salute.

* In Australia, there will not be an official mourning period.

* Condolence books have been made available at Parliament House and Government House in Canberra. Books of condolence will also be open at Government Houses in each state. Online condolence forms have also been created on the websites of the governor general and Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The royal family have noted that instead of floral tributes, Australians may wish to consider making a donation to a charity of their choice.

And on flags and displays:

* The Australian national flag should be flown at half‑mast until after the day of the funeral in the UK. Direction will be provided to raise the flag for the proclamation.

* The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated until midnight on Friday and Saturday evening.

The Australian flag flies at half mast in front of a statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Parliament House in Canberra. The flag should be flown at half mast until after the day of the funeral in the UK.
The Australian flag flies at half mast in front of a statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Parliament House in Canberra. The flag should be flown at half mast until after the day of the funeral in the UK. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Updated

For those just tuning in, here is what is happening today

(via AAP)

Friday:

* The governor general announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II, following advice from Buckingham Palace.

* The prime minister issued a public statement on television and suspended parliament.

* A gun salute will take place at Parliament House in Canberra at dusk to mark the Queen’s death. It will consist of one round for each year of the Queen’s life at 10 second intervals.

* The governor general will address the nation at 6.55pm AEST.

Members of the public queue to sign a condolence book in the entrance to the Australian parliament to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Members of the public queue to sign a condolence book in the entrance of the Australian parliament to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Updated

Victorian parliament sitting most likely going ahead for MPs to swear allegiance to the King

President of Victoria’s Legislative Council, Nazih Elasmar, and speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Maree Edwards, have written to MPs about the constitutional impact of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

As Guardian Australia has reported, a quirk of the Victorian constitution means state MPs will have to swear allegiance to King Charles III before parliamentary proceedings can continue.


The Victorian parliament was due to sit from Tuesday for the final sitting week of the term before the November 26 state election.


According to Elasmar and Edwards’ email, it sounds like it will be going ahead for MPs to swear their allegiance on Tuesday. Here’s an excerpt:


The death of the sovereign does not in itself dissolve the parliament. Members of the council and assembly must be sworn by oath or affirmation after the successor is proclaimed by the governor. This proclamation is likely to happen in the next one to two days. On that basis, swearing in would take place next Tuesday in both chambers.


The council and assembly will also receive a message from the governor of the demise of the sovereign. In the event that only this message is received by next Tuesday (without the proclamation), there is the potential for the houses to sit to receive the message and at some point thereafter adjourn until a day and hour to be fixed.

Members are not permitted to sit or vote until they have sworn an oath or affirmation to the successor to the Crown.

Updated

And Scott Morrison:

She had this incredible, regal humility to her. She was always Her Majesty. She was always the Queen. But at the same time, she just had this incredible ability to connect with people in a very personal way. We certainly felt it, Jenny and I on that occasion. We were nervous as you can imagine on the way in.

And you know, Jenny had been looking up the curtesies on YouTube and she absolutely nailed it.

But it was one of those things where you’re going - goodness. It was the greatest honour of my political life, and public life, and the same for Jenny. But once we got in, she just put us at ease and we actually had quite a long conversation.

Well over what we had anticipated, and that was her generous spirit.

Updated

Malcolm Turnbull became a little emotional as he recalled his memories of the Queen, ending with:

Last night, as we were filled with such dread, because it was obvious that things had turned very bad, I took the portrait of the Queen out and set it up and we just thought – what an amazing life. What an amazing leadership. And it is the end of an era. And let’s hope that the future after the Queen’s passing is one where we will have leadership as dedicated and selfless as she has shown.

The Queen meets former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull during an audience at Buckingham Palace on 11 July 2017.
The Queen meets former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull during an audience at Buckingham Palace on 11 July 2017. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

Updated

Sixteen Australia prime ministers served under Queen Elizabeth II.

Those still living have been paying tribute all day.

Here was John Howard:

She had a very deep knowledge of Australia. But she talked in a very convivial fashion about Australia. And I do remember the last time I saw her, it was at an Order of Merit lunch and also at Windsor Castle. And both she and her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, were there. And after coffee, they wandered around talking to people and we engaged in conversation about Australia. And I mentioned something about [the racehorse] Winx. And, of course, her eyes lit up. And I’d really struck a great chord. I think that she had more knowledge of Winx than I did. I mean, I knew a little bit about Winx, but I didn’t pretend that I would have had a Bob Hawke-like knowledge of it!

John Howard with Queen Elizabeth II in Sydney in 2006.
John Howard with Queen Elizabeth II in Sydney in 2006. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AP

Updated

Who will be invited to the national memorial service?

The state and territory leaders will of course be invited to the national memorial service.

Who else is invited?

Well, it is a long list. So strap in:

Guests from the Commonwealth Table of Precedence:

· Governor general

· Governors and administrator

· Prime minister

· Ministers

· Members and senators

· Premiers and chief ministers

· Former ministers

· Former chief justices

· Former prime ministers

· Former governors general

· Ambassadors

· Privy councillors

· Chief of the defence force

· Chief justice of Australia

· Lords mayor

· Former equerries

· CEOs/chairs of buildings the Queen has opened

o Opera House

o National Gallery

o High Court

o Royal Children’s hospital, Melbourne

· Representatives from select groups of which the Queen was patron

· Leaders of faith groups and defence force chaplain

· Representative of hospitals named after the Queen

· Australian of the Year finalists in all categories from all states and territories

Updated

Queensland announces plans for honouring Queen Elizabeth II

The passing of the Queen doesn’t seem to trigger any state procedures or rules (that is certainly the case in Queensland) but as you have read, the states are still honouring the Queen (Outside of the weird constitutional quirk in Victoria, where MPs have to swear allegiance to the new King)

Queensland has announced its plans:

The parliament is marking the passing of the monarch by:

· Flying its flags at half mast for the period of observance

· Displaying a hard copy condolence book for visitors to sign in the parliamentary annexe foyer

· Dimming external display lighting of Parliament House for the period of observance

· Displaying a black ribbon watermark on the parliament website and links to official online condolence books

Updated

‘She’s part of us, part of everyone’

Eric Third has come to Government House in Sydney to sign the book of condolences for the Queen.

When I woke up this morning, it’s like a grandmother’s died. She’s part of us, part of everyone,” Third said.

She had that special something about her that just touched, touch everyone. It’s sad. I sort of expected her to be here forever.”

Third is sorry he never got to meet the Queen because she was someone he really admired.


She showed a real dedication to duty. She said, very early on when she started her reign that she was going to serve her duty right to the end. And she did.”

It was only two days ago she was out there swearing in the new prime minister and obviously, she would have been very sick.”

Updated

Australian PM relates family tale of Queen’s 1963 visit

Anthony Albanese has told Melbourne radio 3AW his mother insisted on stopping to see the Queen’s commemorations on the way to the hospital to give birth:

That’s right, in 1963 was yet another royal visit. My mother used to tell the story – the family did as well, they were a little bit annoyed with my mother for insisting on going and seeing all the commemorative flags and everything else that was out for the royal visit. The Queen, of course, was a regular visitor to Australia.

In the year 2000, when she visited the Sydney Opera House, she said: ‘Since I first stepped ashore here, I have felt part of this rugged, honest, creative land. I have shared in the joys and the sorrows, the challenges and the changes that have shaped this country’s history’. And indeed, she has. Our Federation is only 121 years old and the Queen reigned for 70 of that of that 121 years.

Updated

John Howard reflects on speaking to Queen about racehorse Winx

John Howard reflected on his own memories with the Queen.

He recounted a meeting with her in recent years, explaining her excitement at the mention of racehorse Winx.

He said:

I mentioned something about Winx and of course her eyes lit up. I think she had more knowledge of Winx than I did.

Howard said she had a “great capacity to put people at ease, no matter who they were”.

When asked how Australia’s relationship with the monarchy will change following the Queen’s death, Howard said it would be up to the people.

That is something that we will see. I’m not disposed right at the moment to get into a vigorous debate on that issue but I have views.

There’ll be time because we’re a democracy and I’ve always said that the monarchy stays or goes according to the will of people.

John Howard with the Queen in 2006. The Queen was on a five-day visit to Australia to open the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
John Howard with the Queen in 2006. The Queen was on a five-day visit to Australia to open the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Photograph: Torsten Blackwood/AAP

Updated

And for those wondering, Camilla will be Queen consort. It is a title given automatically to the wife of the King. Princess consort isn’t an official title.

Updated

Jennifer Westacott speaks of her admiration for monarch

The Business Council of Australia’s chief executive, Jennifer Westacott, has delivered a statement honouring the Queen:

Many people ask me who I admire most in the world. I always answer, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, not just because she was the Queen but because of what she stood for.

Her unwavering sense of duty and purpose, and her belief that the institution was always bigger than her, said everything about her character.

Her steadfast adherence to values and principles adapted with the times, but she never betrayed her fundamental commitment to her faith, or to her values of forgiveness and compassion.

I will never forget the words she spoke after September 11, when she said ‘grief is the price we pay for love’ and during Covid when she reminded us all during lockdown that ‘we will meet again’.

Although we never knew her, it is like she has been with us all our lives, carefully guiding us with her decency, dignity and grace.

Our lives without her will never be the same.

Updated

What we don't know yet

For those just catching up there are also a few things we don’t know.

We don’t know when the national day of mourning will be yet – only that it will be sometime after Anthony Albanese and David Hurley return from the UK

We don’t know if it will be a public holiday.

We don’t know what will happen with the Victorian grand final eve public holiday, but believe at this stage there won’t be a clash.

We don’t know what happens with the Queen’s birthday public holiday – that will be up to the states.

Andrews says people should celebrate Queen’s life and achievements

Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, says he will have more to say about a memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II in the coming days:

I think that there will be many Victorians who want to gather together in different parts of the state to be part of what will be a moving funeral service service that celebrate her life and we will have more to say about that soon.

Andrews said while today was a day of mourning, it was important to celebrate the Queen’s life and achievements.


It’s appropriate today that we celebrate that life, that we mourn and we have that sense of collective sadness, but also look to all the positives. The great example that she set, the great work that she did and the fact that despite not choosing that role, she made it her own. She is such a figure of strength, duty, dignity, service, but also a sense of compassion, a sense of fairness. Somebody who took their responsibilities very, very seriously and acquitted them without fear.

Updated

'An exemplar of public leadership': Paul Keating pays tribute

The former prime minister has released a tribute to the Queen. Keating incensed the British press when the Queen visited Australia and he touched her back to guide her along.

Keating says:

In the 20th century, the self became privatised, while the public realm, the realm of the public good, was broadly neglected.

Queen Elizabeth II understood this and instinctively attached herself to the public good against what she recognised as a tidal wave of private interest and private reward. And she did this for a lifetime. Never deviating.

She was an exemplar of public leadership, married for a lifetime to political restraint, remaining always, the constitutional monarch.

To the extent that an hereditary monarch can ever reflect the will or conscience of a people, in the case of Britain, Queen Elizabeth II assimilated a national consciousness reflecting every good instinct and custom the British people possessed and held to their heart.

In a 70-year reign, she was required to meet literally hundreds of thousands of officials – presidents, prime ministers, ministers, premiers, mayors and municipal personalities.

It was more than one person should ever have been asked to do.

But Queen Elizabeth II’s stoicism and moralism welded her to the task and with it, the idea of monarchy.

Her exceptionally long, dedicated reign is unlikely to be repeated; not only in Britain, but in the world generally.

With her passing her example of public service remains with us as a lesson in dedication to a lifelong mission in what she saw as the value of what is both enduringly good and right.

The Queen and former prime minister Paul Keating leave Parliament House in Canberra, 24 February 1992.
The Queen and former prime minister Paul Keating leave Parliament House in Canberra, 24 February 1992. Photograph: Stephen Dupont/AFP

Updated

Victorian parliament suspended for one week

Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, is speaking to reporters in Melbourne. He’s confirmed parliament won’t sit next week following the death of Queen Elizabeth II:


My understanding is we will sit on Tuesday to adjourn off to another time and we will make up any days that are missed next week. That’s to be worked through ... we’ll make up the days if we have to and we’ll provide advice to you as quickly as we can in terms of what’s happening next week.

A quirk of the Victorian constitution means state MPs will have to swear allegiance to King Charles III before parliamentary proceedings can continue.

The Victorian parliament was due to sit from Tuesday for the final sitting week of the term before the 26 November state election.

Updated

John Howard remembers Queen’s ‘commitment to duty’

Former prime minister John Howard has remembered the Queen as a leader with a deep curiosity and a great sense of honour.

Speaking from his Sydney office on Friday, he said she “lived a wonderful life”.

He said the way she fulfilled her duties right until the end was reflective of the way she lived and served.

The fact that that occurred just two days before she died was in many ways a metaphor for her whole life.

She saw service, commitment to duty, doing the right thing constitutionally and always understanding that she was monarch by the free will and consent of her people, not by any divine right.

Updated

Daniel Andrews reflects on meeting Queen Elizabeth II

Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, is reflecting on when he and wife, Catherine, met Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 at the opening of the new Royal children’s hospital in Melbourne:

Cath and I were struck by her absolute work ethic and the attention, the very nurturing way in which she engaged with all the people that she was meeting and seeing. She looked genuinely thrilled to be part of the opening of a brand new children’s hospital. She had a gruelling schedule, but somebody who duty and service was more than just the concept. It was just the way that she lived her life, and that’s what makes her such a special person, and somebody who I think everybody is very sad today to think that that service has ended. It is very, very sad.

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Anthony Albanese confirms UK trip for Queen's funeral

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has released another statement on plans for memorialising the Queen.

Here is part of it:

At this time, on behalf of all Australians, I send my deepest condolences to our new King and the royal family. Like his mother before him, the King has a deep and lasting connection to Australia, a love of our beautiful country and a deep affection for our people.

In the coming weeks, we will commemorate our late Queen with every state honour.

I hope all Australians who wish to pay their respects can participate in the gatherings, commemorations and tributes that will be held, as well as share their own reflections and memories.

The governor general and myself will be part of Australia’s presence at Her Majesty’s funeral. Further details about Australia’s remembrance of Her Majesty the Queen will be announced over coming days.

In our parliamentary democracy, the passing of the crown from one generation to the next is rare but also seamless.

In the coming days, the governor general and I will be speaking with the King.

On behalf of all Australians, we will be sharing with the King the sorrow of Australia as well as our best wishes to him as he takes up his duties as sovereign.

May our Queen rest in peace, and may God bless our King.

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The NSW parliament has responded to the Queen’s death

Australian sport to honour the Queen

The AFL and NRL will hold a minute’s silence before finals matches this weekend, with other Australian sports expected to follow suit in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

With a busy weekend of sport ahead, including men’s footy finals as well as international cricket, the sporting world is set to pay its respects to the late monarch.

The AFL issued a statement on Friday saying it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the Queen’s passing.

Her Majesty was a woman of the people. This was never more evident than when she attended the 1970 season-opening Richmond v Fitzroy game at the MCG, unfurling Richmond’s 1969 Premiership flag, happily meeting players and eagerly learning about our game. Her grit, humility and devotion to the Commonwealth will be remembered by all long after her reign.

Melbourne play Brisbane at the MCG tonight, with Collingwood to meet Fremantle on Saturday at the same venue. Flags will fly at half mast at both matches. There is also a full AFLW and VFL schedule over the weekend at which minute’s silences will be held, along with the first round of NRL finals.

Football is also expected to pay its respects before Sunday’s Australia Cup semi-final between Brisbane Roar and Sydney United.

Australia play New Zealand in the final one-day international on Sunday in Cairns, and while Cricket Australia is yet to confirm any plans, the International Cricket Council cancelled a T20 World Cup media opportunity in Adelaide on Friday following the Queen’s death.

Australia’s men and women kick off their Rugby Sevens World Cup campaigns later tonight at a tournament in Cape Town featuring a number of other Commonwealth nations.

Several events have already been postponed in the UK, with the third Test between England and South Africa and the PGA Championship at Wentworth among those to have been paused.

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What we know so far

At 96 years old, the Queen passed peacefully in her sleep at Balmoral, her Scottish estate. It was Thursday afternoon in the UK when the news broke.

The palace informed Australia’s governor general, David Hurley, who then informed the prime minister, Anthony Albanese (early Friday morning Australian time).

Albanese has delivered the official prime minister’s statement to the Australian people, followed by the opposition leader, Peter Dutton.

Protocols which have been set down for years were then put in place across the Commonwealth.

In the UK, it is commonly known as “Operation London Bridge” (also Operation Unicorn, as the death occurred in Scotland. The unicorn is one of the official symbols of Scotland).

There is no official name for it in Australia.

Flags have been lowered to half mast.

The parliament sitting for next week has been suspended.

At dusk, a 96-gun salute will be fired at the Parliament House, one round for every year the Queen lived, with a 10 second interval between his shot

Tomorrow, a wreath ceremony will be held at the Queen’s Terrace at Parliament House, attended by the PM, GG, opposition leader and dignitaries.

The governor general will read the proclamation of sovereign at the Australian parliament, announcing Charles III is king.

Nothing needs to happen to make Charles king – he became the sovereign the moment his mother passed. The proclamation acknowledges the change.

In about a week’s time, Anthony Albanese and David Hurley will travel to the UK to meet with King Charles and attend the queen’s funeral.

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Anthony Albanese describes protocol kicked off by Queen’s death

The prime minister told Sydney FM radio WFM that it was a “shock” when he was told to expect a call from the governor general about the Queen.

It’s been quite a shock; even though the Queen, of course, led such a long life, it was as if she would be with us forever. So when I received the call very early this morning to expect a call from the governor general, and was put on a bit of notice, it was quite a shock.

He said the phone call kicked off a very well established protocol:

There was protocol in place for a long period of time. So the governor general was the first to issue a statement after the royal family and the palace.

And then I was to issue a statement an hour later. Then we both had statements, video televised statements as well, but the governor general to be first of course.

Today, there’s a range of procedures being put in place. I write to King Charles III, as he will be known, expressing the nation’s condolence. We have some other procedures – I have to write to the presiding officers because of the period of mourning, putting off parliament which won’t return next week.

Tomorrow we have a wreath-laying at Queen’s Terrace in Parliament House and then on Sunday – this hasn’t been confirmed yet, but – we will have the proclamation of our new head of state after an executive council meeting at Government House.

So there’s a range of measures kicking in. But today is mainly, I think, really for us to just celebrate a life well lived, a life of devotion to duty, family, faith and service.

I believe that Queen Elizabeth was respected by all for the extraordinary devotion that she showed to duty.

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Shadow home affairs minister, Karen Andrews, has also shared her memories of the Queen on Adelaide radio 5AA:

Many Australians and many people across the world have been a huge fan – if that’s the correct way to put it – of Her Majesty for a very long time.

The first time that I saw her was back in 1970 actually, where I grew up in Townsville, where she visited as part of the bicentenary celebrations. And I recall lining the streets along with many other children at the time to watch as she drove past. And it was a very fleeting glance.

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David Littleproud remembers Queen’s ‘fondness’ for regional Australia

The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, has paid tribute to the Queen and her “fondness” for regional Australia.

Australians throughout our regional towns will have grown up only knowing Her Majesty and will now be feeling a great sense of loss.

Her Majesty was a shining light of great hope and comfort for communities across regional, rural and remote Australia.

Over her 16 visits to Australia, the Queen visited Mackay, Rockhampton, Benalla, Bathurst, Alice Springs, Lismore, Casino, Sale, Kununurra, Echuca, Longreach, Dubbo, Cooma, Wagga Wagga, Swan Hill, Mount Isa, Orange, Kalgoorlie, Shepparton, Tamworth, Mt Gambier, and Traralgon.

Littleproud said that fondness was reflected through Royal Agricultural Shows.

Entry and participation into these shows has been traditionally a chance to showcase a region’s finest for judging as a prize suitable for the Queen.

He finished his tribute with:

In the midst of regional Australia’s toughest times, Her Majesty provided many messages of support and strength. These efforts showed her true kindness, humanity and leadership which Her Majesty brought to the role, and is one that will be sorely missed.

Australia is the lucky country and part of that luck has been due to the fact Her Majesty has been able to reign over us. The stability Her Majesty has provided has improved the lives of many.

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Queen ‘set the example for others in terms of work and giving to others’

Ross Harris is among the first to arrive at Government House to pay tribute to the Queen.

He says she represents “a real example from an age that we’ve lost, when we have people that are dedicated to the very end to serving others”.

You can’t beat that, can you? It’s a real tribute to the world, really.

Harris’ first memory of the Queen was when she and Prince Philip visited his primary school in Tasmania in 1977.


When they visited, Prince Philip remarked: ‘What a jolly cold place you live in.’

Whether you like the monarchy or loathe the monarchy, you can’t take away the fact that all these are people that are born into that situation. They make the most of that situation; they set the example for others in terms of work and giving to others.

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Hello – Amy Remeikis here, I’ll be guiding the blog for the next little while.

A very big thank you to Chris for his incredible work keeping you up to date so far.

We don’t know what’s happening with public holidays as yet – it’s too early to say if the national day of mourning (to be held when the PM and GG return from the UK) will be a public holiday.

Likewise, we don’t know what will happen with the Queen’s birthday holiday – that is up to the states.

We also can’t tell you if the national day of mourning will clash with the Victorian grand final eve holiday. It’s unlikely too, but it’s too early to say for sure.

Same with the Australian delegation arrangements for Shinzo Abe’s funeral. At this stage everything is ‘TBC’

Scott Morrison reflects on experience of meeting Queen Elizabeth II

Former prime minister Scott Morrison is on the ABC, speaking about meeting Queen Elizabeth II. He describes it as “the greatest honour of my political life”.

We actually had quite a long conversation, much longer than what was anticipated – that was her generous spirit.

When you were talking to her, you were the only person who was there in her mind; that’s what she conveyed to you, and that’s a gift.

Morrison is told that his predecessor, republican Malcolm Turnbull, was overcome with emotion during an earlier interview about the Queen’s death. He is asked to reflect on how she came to mean so much, even to republicans.

She transcended that issue. She transcended it. She was more than just the Queen of England, the Queen of Australia … beyond that, she was a global figure arguably like no other. In her constancy, her endurance, the way that she had held her dignity for so long – [it] really made her a source of strength for many people.

Queen Elizabeth receives Australia’s then prime minister Scott Morrison during an audience in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle
Queen Elizabeth receives Australia’s then prime minister Scott Morrison during an audience in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle on 15 June 2021. Photograph: Reuters

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‘My mum likes the Queen and I like my mum. So that’s enough for me’

Matt Lui is the first person to put down flowers at the gates of Government House Sydney, inside the Royal Botanic Garden where the New South Wales government has invited those wishing to lay a floral tribute.

Lui says he’s there because “my mum likes the Queen and I like my mum. So that’s enough for me.”

The NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet, is expected to lay a floral tribute at midday.

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Sails of Sydney Opera House to be illuminated in Queen's honour

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be lit up tonight and tomorrow to honour the Queen, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet, have announced.

The pair said it would be a fitting tribute.

Albanese said:

The late Queen Elizabeth II played an important role to the people of Australia during her reign, and the lighting of the Sydney Opera House is a fitting tribute on behalf of the people of Australia.

The lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails will take place over two days from Friday 9 September, 7.30pm to midnight and Saturday 10 September, 6.30pm to midnight.

Queen Elizabeth II steps off the royal barge at Farm Cove in Sydney, Australia, on 3 February 1954. She is wearing a light-coloured dress and is stepping onto a wide strip of red carpet. In the midground, three flagpoles are bearing the flags of Australia, the UK and NSW
Queen Elizabeth II steps off the royal barge at Farm Cove in Sydney, Australia, becoming the first reigning monarch of Australia to set foot in the country on 3 February 1954. Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images

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The Australian national flag and the Aboriginal flag are seen at half mast on Sydney Harbour Bridge as a sign of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Australian national flag and the Aboriginal flag are seen at half mast on Sydney Harbour Bridge as a sign of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty Images

Coins with King Charles III's face to be introduced from 2023

Reporters Amy Remeikis and Josh Butler have been looking into what happens to Australian coins, which, of course, are printed with Queen Elizabeth’s face on one side.

Amy Remeikis reports:

In terms of what happens with our money, money with the queen remains legal tender.

The Treasury and Mint have been working together on plans for a change in effigy – Charles the III’s face for the last few months, for new coins.

It’ll take a little while and coins with the Queen’s face will continue to be minted in the meantime.

At this stage, the first coins with Charles III’s face will start to be seen in Australia in 2023.

Josh Butler says the Royal Australian Mint and Perth Mint have been working on plans for some time.

There’s been some talk this morning about currency. Despite what you may have read on Twitter, coins with the Queen’s image are still legal Australian tender.

We’ve asked the assistant minister for the treasury, Andrew Leigh, for more information, but Guardian Australia understands Charles will appear on newly minted coins from sometime in 2023. The Royal Australian Mint and Perth Mint are understood to have been working with the Treasury for some time, to plan for the change to King Charles.

There will be a transition when coins with both their images will be in circulation. But to confirm, coins with the Queen’s image are still legal tender and will remain in circulation. The mints will use an effigy supplied by the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint.

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‘She … oversaw actions that made Indigenous peoples lives worse’: indigenous people and people of colour react to Queen’s death

Many Indigenous people and people of colour around the world have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts about the Queen as the figurehead of colonial power in their homelands.

Prof Sandy O’Sullivan, a Wiradjuri woman, tweeted from the IndigenousX account:

For those saying we should be magnanimous about the passing of the queen, a reminder that the queen inserted herself into the lives of Indigenous people here multiple times. She wasn’t a bystander to the effects of colonisation and colonialism, she was an architect of it.

Too many people fail to understand how inaction and the gathering of wealth is fundamental in colonial incursion. For everyone saying she was a kindly grandmother, they fail to see that she had a job for decades that oversaw actions that made Indigenous peoples lives worse.

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We mentioned earlier that Anthony Albanese was signing the condolence book in Parliament House.

Here is what he wrote:

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.

The Speaker of the House, Milton Dick, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese and the president of the Senate, Sue Lines, sign the condolence book at Parliament House in Canberra
The Speaker of the House, Milton Dick, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese and the president of the Senate, Sue Lines, sign the condolence book at Parliament House in Canberra. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

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Parliament suspension 'out of respect' for Queen, says PM

Anthony Albanese has responded to questions about the 15-day suspension of federal parliament, saying it would be “out of respect” for the Queen but that the business of government will continue to function.

As part of the official “plans for observance” protocol, parliament will not sit for at least 15 days after the Queen’s death. Parliament rose for the week yesterday, and was to resume next week, with politicians set to consider the government’s aged care bill and plans for a federal integrity commission.

Albanese was asked on ABC Melbourne why the suspension would be for so long.

Well, it’s out of respect for Queen Elizabeth, these protocols have been in place for some time.

There will be other commemorations as well, but it is procedure that Parliament is not returned during the period of mourning. I will be travelling to the United Kingdom with the governor general and other protocols will be announced over the next 48 hours.

Albanese went on to assure the listeners that “government will continue to function, of course”.

I’ve just met with, well just met again, with Prime Minister and Cabinet. We’ve had, of course, a number of meetings already today to make sure that all of the appropriate protocols are followed.

According to the current parliamentary sitting calendar, that would not see federal politicians return to Canberra until 25 October – the day of the federal budget.

Queen Elizabeth II is pictured on the stage a garden party at Government House in Perth on 27 October 2011. She is sitting on a dark wooden chair, and an Australian flag can be seen hanging on the wall behind her
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured on the stage a garden party at Government House in Perth on 27 October 2011. Photograph: Lincoln Baker/AFP/Getty Images

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Queen's death delays Indigenous voice process

The Queen’s death has pushed back the process of conducting a successful referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice to parliament in the constitution by at least a few weeks.

Today was meant to be the first meeting of the newly appointed group of 21 Indigenous leaders, who will advise the government on the timing of a successful referendum, refine the proposed constitutional amendment and question, and determine the information necessary for a referendum to win the support of a majority of Australians, in a majority of states.

The working group was due to meet with Anthony Albanese in the cabinet rooms in Parliament House but instead are meeting informally at a different venue.

A spokesperson for the minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said the roundtable with the PM will be rescheduled for a few weeks time.

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Canberra to hold 96-gun salute this evening

In addition to the many tributes listed below, there will be a 96-gun salute in Canberra today, one shot for each year the Queen lived.

The salute will be held at approximately 5pm this evening.

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‘I think she’s made a tremendous personal sacrifice’

Robert Jordan is the first member of the public to come to Victoria’s government house to lay flowers and sign the condolences book. He’s brought Sherbet the dog with him.

Jordan says:

I wanted to contribute to the sense of loss and connect with the community widely and just acknowledge and recognise the work Her Majesty has done for for the Commonwealth, which includes us, of course.

I think she’s made a tremendous personal sacrifice, taking it on such it’s such an early age. I think it was a solitary job.

He explains his first connection to the Queen was through the Duke of Edinburgh award, but he is sad he never got to meet her in person.

My best photo of her is when she was at the races with a beautiful hat. And the saddest, I think, was when she was at the funeral of her husband and just sitting by herself in the front pew.

And I just thought that so much stood for who she was: dedicated, contributing and faithful to the end.

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NSW residents given online link to record condolences for royal family

The NSW government has announced how residents will be able to offer their own personal condolences for the Queen, as well as announcing that flags will fly at half mast across the state.

Messages of condolence can be recorded online via links to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and at approximately 12pm, the bell of the GPO clock tower, Town Hall and St Andrews will be tolled every 10 seconds for each year of the Queen’s life (96 times).

The government is encouraging those who want to leave floral tributes to leave them near the gates of Government House Sydney or at Parade Ground inside the Royal Botanic Garden.

The gates of the Royal Botanic Garden will be kept open until 6pm.

A national memorial service is expected to be held in Canberra following the state funeral in the United Kingdom.

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Matthew Guy, Peter Walsh and Samantha Ratnam pay respects to Queen

Victoria’s opposition leader, Matthew Guy, and Nationals leader, Peter Walsh, have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

In a joint statement, Guy and Walsh described the queen as “a rock of stability in an unstable world for an unprecedented seven decades”:

The great affection Australians, in particular Victorians, felt toward Queen Elizabeth II was sincere and genuine.

Her Majesty showed a deep affection and interest for the welfare of our state and for all Victorians, particularly during difficult times, such as Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday.

The Victorian Opposition places on record our deep sadness at Her Majesty’s passing.

The leader of the Greens in the state, Samantha Ratnam, took to Twitter to pay her respects but acknowledged the difficulty for those who have been subjected to colonisation:

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NSW police chief pays tribute to Queen

The New South Wales police commissioner, Karen Webb, has paid tribute to the Queen.

In a lengthy statement, Webb acknowledged her service to the community.

She said:

To this day, NSW Police Force officers swear to “well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen as a police officer without favour or affection, malice or ill-will until I am legally discharged, that I will cause Her Majesty’s peace to be kept and preserved, and that I will prevent to the best of my power all offences against that peace, and that while I continue to be a police officer I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all my duties faithfully according to law.”

Webb said the NSW police had been honoured to welcome and protect the Queen during her many visits to the state.

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There are condolence books sitting outside Victoria’s Government house, and people have been invited to leave flowers. So far, there’s only one bouquet.

Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau, and her husband Anthony Howard, KC and former judge, has been speaking to reporters at the gates of Government House.

Dessau mentions how glad she was that the Queen had overseen Liz Truss’s transition into the prime ministership of the UK.

“We know how important that sense of duty and sense of service was [to Her Majesty].”

“She was very gracious and very savvy,” says Howard.

Dessau continues:

And she certainly spoke in an interested and interesting way about Victoria, so there was no question about her dedication

Dessau mentions how a maple tree just inside the gates of government house was planted by the Queen in 1954 and is often visited by people.

The governor’s household staff appears to be out here too, lined up on one side of the gates.

Malcolm Turnbull says Australia would still be mourning today, even if it had become a republic in 1999

A littler earlier, Malcolm Turnbull spoke to Channel Nine about the Queen’s death, his second interview of the morning.

He said that he and his wife Lucy went to bed last night “filled with dread, and woke up filled with grief”.

He said:

She put her job, her duty above everything else. How extraordinary that at 96, she was doing her constitutional duty, accepting the resignation of one prime minister and appointing another, just 48 hours before she died, right up to the end.

On the Queen’s opinion about his desires for Australia to become a republic, he said he had no doubt that she viewed such decisions as being for the people of the relevant countries, and that the royal family’s attitude to the republican movement in Australia was a matter for Australians.

If Australia had become a republic in 1999, we would be mourning the Queen’s passing with as much sorrow as we are today. There has never been anything other than enormous affection for the Queen. I was criticised for this on occasions, but I used to say, we are all Elizabethans, although we are not necessarily in Australia all monarchists.

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‘As long as she wasn’t in pain – that’s my wish for her’

Two teenage boys, who I’m not convinced have given me their real names, chat to me while they’re waiting for a tram in Melbourne.

One says:

For us in Australia it doesn’t really have much of an effect, maybe if you were in England it would have a bit more of an effect.

Two New Zealanders, Rosemary and David, are having breakfast in Royal Arcade. Rosemary says:

It was sad, she’s been part of our lives.

David, however, says:

I’m indifferent.

Rosemary is a monarchist but David is a republican.

Asked if anything stood out about the Queen to them, David says:

Watching The Crown, I felt like it was quite a good history. I learnt more about her life through The Crown, more than what we saw … Charles is the interesting one though. King Charles sounds like a spaniel to me.

Maya, at Flinders St station, said:

She had a long and busy life. As long as she wasn’t in pain – that’s my wish for her.

She worked hard every day — I don’t think the young ones will do this. It’s a different kind of work ethic.

Maya says it must have been hard “to always be pleasant every day”.

Queen Elizabeth II walks past a line of school students in uniform. She is wearing a teal blue coat and hat
Queen Elizabeth II walks past a line of school students as she leaves a State Reception in the gardens of Government House in Perth on October 27, 2011. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

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Queen Elizabeth II ‘was a true servant leader’, says Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison says he is feeling “sorrowful” and “thankful” after hearing the news that the Queen has died. He praised her humility and kindness that made him feel warm and welcome in her presence.

Morrison said that the Queen seemed to be in good health when he and his wife Jenny met her in June last year as Covid restrictions were beginning to ease in the UK and was struck by her “keen interest in the details of people’s lives”. He spoke to Channel Nine just now:

When we met last time, it was at Windsor Castle, which was amazing, and there she was asking about the mice plague in NSW. That was her. She was interested in the people that she served and she did see her role as a service. She was a true servant leader.

At the same visit, Scott Morrison remembered giving the Queen a biography of champion Australian thoroughbred Winx, after John Howard told him “She loves horses, just talk about horses”.

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‘I personally love that we’re part of the monarchy’

Our reporter Natasha May is still on the streets of Sydney.

She has spoken with two Catholic nuns, Teresa and Agnes Vo, who had only just heard the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

The Catholic nuns praise the Queen as an “amazing leader”.

She really has offered her whole whole life – around 70 years.

We pray for her.

Ingrid Braithwaite, out with baby William in rainy Sydney, only has praise for Queen Elizabeth and the monarchy:

She’s been incredible, such an inspiration for so many of us. It’s such sad news and my thoughts are with her family.

Asked if she believes the monarch’s death means Australia should become a republic, Braithwaite said:

I personally love that we’re part of the monarchy.

Ingrid Braithwaite with her baby sitting at a cafe table in Sydney's CBD
Ingrid Braithwaite, out with baby William in rainy Sydney, only has praise for Queen Elizabeth and the monarchy. Photograph: Natasha May/Guardian

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Anthony Albanese signs condolence book for royal family

Prime minister Anthony Albanese has just signed the condolence book in parliament house, expressing his sympathies to the royal family.

Earlier, in a televised statement, he said:

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.

There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

This is a loss we all feel, for few have known a world without Queen Elizabeth II. In her seven remarkable decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and tumult of the years, she embodied and exhibited a timeless decency and an enduring calm.

Meanwhile, sticking in Canberra, Amy Remeikis reports that the looming cabinet meeting has also been cancelled. She says:

It’s probably pretty obvious at this point, but the cabinet meeting has also been cancelled.

With the parliament sitting next week also suspended it’s not a huge deal - there is nothing really pressing any longer.

MPs will still be doing constituent work and ministers will still be working their portfolios.

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'A special place in our hearts': political leaders react to Queen's death

Australian reactions to the Queen’s death began about 6am, as most of us were still sleeping. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and shock, with tributes from the prime minister, governor general, opposition leader, and other leading Australians.

If you’re just tuning in, here were the most powerful moments:

  • The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the Queen had a “special place in our hearts” and had been a “wise and enduring presence” in Australia’s national life. Albanese said Queen Elizabeth II had been a “wise and encouraging guide, always wanting the best for our nation and greeting each change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s judgement. From her first trip here, it was clear Her Majesty had a special place in our hearts, and we, in hers.” Albanese will travel to the UK in four days’ time.

  • The governor general, David Hurley, reflected on the Queen’s “dignity and her compassion” and her dedication and work ethic. “Her death will sadden all Australians and be felt around the world. As we mourn, we should also take inspiration and give thanks to the remarkable contribution Her Majesty has made.”

  • Malcolm Turnbull and Kevin Rudd, both republicans, offered words of sympathy and condolences for the loss. Turnbull said the Queen had “inspired the whole world and was a calm and gracious presence”. Rudd said Republicans and Monarchists alike had a “deep and abiding respect” for the Queen, not just because of her longevity, but because she was a good person.

  • The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, said there had never been a “more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader, or a more decent human than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”. “An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end,” he said.

  • Tony Abbott, a monarchist, said the world has lost “an exemplar of duty, honour and faithfulness”. He said “deep thanks for her life should mingle with numbness and sadness at this loss”. “The Queen is dead. Long live the King,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth II accepting bouquets of flowers from children outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Queen Elizabeth II accepting bouquets of flowers from children outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photograph: Ray Strange/AAP

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Workers prepare Australian flags to fly at half mast outside Parliament House in Canberra.
Workers prepare Australian flags to fly at half mast outside Parliament House in Canberra. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
The Australian flag flies at half mast on top of Parliament House in Canberra.
The Australian flag at half mast on top of Parliament House. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

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Plans under way for Opera House to feature in memorials to the Queen

The Sydney Opera House and New South Wales’ Parliament House are likely to feature in public memorials to the Queen.

The premier, Dominic Perrottet, on Friday morning said work was being done “with protocol” since early in the morning to plan a fitting tribute.

He said:

We’ve been doing that since the early hours of the morning and obviously the usual area that comes up immediately is the Opera House and we’re working very closely with protocol to go through all of those issues.

We’ll be doing everything we can to obviously pay tribute to a giant of history and somebody who has changed the world for the better.

He told 2GB that details would be announced over the course of the day.

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opens The Colonnade - a new western addition to the Opera House, Monday, March 13, 2005. Photograph: Grant Turner/PR IMAGE

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Mourners and media converge on Buckingham Palace

It’s just after midnight in London.

People are still streaming in to Buckingham Palace to pay their respects. Some people are in full evening dress.

Wine is being drunk from the bottle. There’s a substantial police presence but the mood is somewhere between Skyfire (Canberra folks will get that reference) and funereal.

People are clustering around the proclamation on the front fence and spilling back up the forecourt. Lots of Londoners but also a big international contingent, as you’d expect.

There’s already a substantial number of floral tributes tied to the fence. Local TV crews are swarming through the crowd looking for vox pops. The media have set up en masse for live coverage.

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Adam Bandt calls for Australia to become republic

Greens leader Adam Bandt has called for Australia to become a republic in the wake of the Queen’s death.

Now, Australia must move forward. We need Treaty with First Nations people, and we need to become a Republic.

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Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pays tribute to Queen

The Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has issued a longer statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The premier says the Queen was “loved and respected, and represented all that was dignified and positive in the Royal Family”.

Her Majesty was a constant reminder of the true meaning of service, integrity and courage, and she was admired around the world, especially here in Queensland.

The Queen will be remembered fondly as the longest-reigning monarch of the Commonwealth, having succeeded to the throne on 6 February 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI.

Nine months after Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London, she arrived in Brisbane on 9 March 1954 as the only reigning monarch to visit Queensland.

Her Majesty stayed at Government House in Brisbane with Queensland Governor Sir John Lavarack and his wife Lady Sybil Lavarack, and her busy itinerary also included regional visits to Bundaberg, Oakey, Toowoomba, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Great Barrier Reef.

This was the first of 16 visits to Australia, and eight to Queensland, as The Queen.

Queenslanders will be able to pay their respects via an online condolence book, which will be presented to the royal family. Government House will make arrangements for the public who wish to pay their respects at the statue of Her Majesty the Queen on the Estate.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP

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‘She was the people’s queen’, says former NSW premier Mike Baird

Taking a quick coffee break, this reporter ran into former NSW premier Mike Baird in line for his.

It’s an incredibly sad day not just for the UK but the world … Queen Elizabeth was an incredible leader. She had great passion for many causes but ultimately, for the people.

I think she was the people’s queen. Like everyone else in Australia today, I feel incredibly sad.

Probably the most enduring memory was 1988, the bicentennial. It felt that when the Queen came, the significance of 200 years was really palpable.

Of Charles taking over, Baird said:

He’s a wonderful man and I think he’ll be a great king.

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Title change for senior Australia barristers

An interesting change for Australia’s legal fraternity. Senior barristers who were made “Queen’s Counsel”, or QC, will now automatically become “King’s Counsel”, or KC.

In some jurisdictions, including NSW and the ACT, barristers have used the title “senior counsel”, for some time.

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‘She meant a lot to a lot of people’

Reporter Stephanie Convery has been speaking to people in Melbourne about the Queen’s death.

Shane, walking along Collins St, said he was surprised to hear the news this morning.

You always thought she’d be around.

Elliot and Brian were chatting about who is next in line for succession. Brian was surprised to read it is Charles.

I always thought we’d have a baby monarch.

Elliot said his reaction was “sad-ish” but for us in Australia, “nothing really changes”.

Ken and Margaret, sitting in the morning sun on Bourke Street, said the news was terrible.

Ken:

She meant a lot to a lot of people, in the good times and bad.

Margaret:

I bought Hello magazine every week to keep up with what was going on. I thought it was devastating.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave to crowds as they are driven on a circuit of Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of their Australian tour on 25 February 1954. The crowd comprised mainly of ex-servicemen and war widows.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave to crowds as they are driven on a circuit of Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of their Australian tour on 25 February 1954. The crowd comprised mainly of ex-servicemen and war widows. Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images

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Flags set to half-mast at Parliament House

Flags have been set to half-mast at Parliament House to mark the Queen’s death. The iconic large flag atop the building has been lowered, along with the numerous flags that line the forecourt entrance.

Condolence books have already been set up inside and outside Parliament House. At one that has been placed inside the building’s marble foyer entrance, several politicians including Andrew Wallace, Keith Pitt, Zoe Daniel, Sam Lim and Gordon Reid have already signed.

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‘How insane’: social media reacts to news Australia’s parliament suspended for 15 days

We mentioned earlier that parliament will be suspended in Australia for 15 days following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. That is to allow time for the funeral, which will take place in 10 days and for the prime minister and governor-general to travel to the UK.

But the suspension of parliament has prompted widespread reaction on social media.

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‘It’s a real passing of a generation’

On the streets of Sydney, more people are reacting to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sarah Jordan says the Queen’s first visit to Australia when she was in primary school remains a “distinct memory.”

She said she and her school friends made crowns and flags ahead of the visit.

Jordan says:

I think we have to give [Charles] a go. I think he needs the opportunity to show us what he can do.

Louise says she feels “incredible sadness at the loss of a beautiful, dedicated monarch who loved us and the world loved her”.

It’s a real passing of a generation and a time that was cherished.

And now there is a new king. And I pray and I hope the world will welcome him with warmth and with open arms.

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ACT chief minister pays tribute

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said the passing of the Queen marked “the end of an era”.

Her majesty had a long history with the national capital, having visited Canberra on 14 occasions throughout her time as monarch. Her first visit was in 1954 to open the federal parliament and her most recent visit was in 2011 as part of a national tour.

Her majesty has been the monarch throughout the lives of the majority of Canberrans. Her life is an incredible dedication to public duty and I’m sure many Canberrans will be saddened by her passing this morning. May she rest in peace.

Flags in the ACT will be flown at half-mast until further notice.

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Reaction on the streets of Melbourne

I’m out on the streets of Melbourne this morning chatting to commuters about the news of the Queen’s death.

Mia Pickering says she thought the Queen had been “pretty good” – “but I’m relatively young” – and that the news of her death was sad.

Sally Wheelan says she’s “still processing” it.

Originally from Wales, Wheelan says she drew a picture for the Queen on the occasion of her silver jubilee back in 1977 and was sent a reply from one of her ladies in waiting, which was a special moment for her.

I hope this brings the royal family together, you know, William and Harry, because they’ve all been part of our lives.

Ariane and Lina, both 26, say they were not particularly surprised at the news this morning but did feel the coverage was disproportionate to the limited impact the monarchy had on their day to day lives.

We’ve sort of engaged with it more as celebrity culture, really.

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‘Now we’ll probably become a republic, oh God!’

Sydneysider Greg says Queen Elizabeth’s passing is “the end of an era”.

One of his first memories was the Queen’s first visit to Australia when he was six years old.

I was just standing like millions of others waiting to see her go by. And that was the first of two or three times.

She did a lot behind the scenes that no nobody will ever know about trying to get the world back together. She will be sorely missed. I don’t think Charles has a hope of doing anything like his mother.

Unfortunately, I don’t think anybody in the royal family at the moment can do anything like her. She was a force to be reckoned with, but with a great sense of humor with everything from what I gather.

Now we’ll probably become a republic, oh God!

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Condolences pour in from around Australia

The statements of condolence are pouring in from across Australia this morning.

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli said the world had “lost a tower of strength and dignity”.

Her Majesty’s unwavering service and dedication to the people were the hallmarks of her historic seven-decade reign.

This great loss will be felt across Queensland, throughout Australia and around the world.

I send my condolences to the Royal Family and join with people everywhere in giving thanks for her extraordinary contribution and life.

In NSW, opposition leader Chris Minns said her death marked the “end of an era”.

For seven decades, she led with grace and poise. She has shown the utmost integrity, composure and an impeccable dedication to the service of her country and the Commonwealth.

She has truly been a constant and reassuring figure in both good times and bad times.

May she rest in peace.

South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas said the Queen served with “unfailing commitment and devotion to duty”.

Her majesty’s first visit to South Australia was with the late Duke of Edinburgh in March 1954. Some 200,000 people lined the route from the Parafield airport, where they were met by the premier, Tom Playford, at Government House.

Her last visit to South Australia was in 2002.

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‘She was such an icon’

James Hickey, 32, was walking pugs Charlie and Henry through Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and said he was still “a little bit shocked” about the news.

The hairdresser from Newfoundland says the Queen had been “the matriarch of the whole family” and a “big part of history”.

Just hearing that it actually has happened has been a little bit of a shock.

Hickey thought Elizabeth “had definitely had a good run in all the publicity”. Her successor, Charles, would uphold the same standards, but his succession to the throne would mark a changing of the guard.

I do believe that he’ll want to make changes to certain little things.

pic
Hairdresser James Hickey, 32, was walking pugs Charlie and Henry through Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and still “a little bit shocked”. Photograph: Joe Hinchliffe/The Guardian

Charles was the topic of discussion in a nearby cafe between Gina, 26, engineer Hannah, 31, and logistics coordinator, Tahlia 33.

Gina says:

We were talking about who was going to take over from her and we found it interesting that it would be Charles, given that he’s probably only got 25 years left.

And they have to go through the whole coronation process, spend all that money, change all the emblems everywhere and then in 25 years, do it again. It kinda just seems like a waste of money really.

While Hannah thought it wouldn’t “affect us” in Australia, Gina thought it might be an opportune time to “go independent”.

But all three had an emotional reaction to Elizabeth’s death.

Gina says:

She was such an icon.

Hannah:

She was never meant to die.

Tahlia:

No tears were shed. But we thought about it.

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‘She’s had a good stint’

Natasha May, our reporter in Sydney, has spoken to more locals outside the Queen Victoria Building about the Queen’s death.

Ed Pascal said “she’s 96 so she’s had a good stint”.

Pascal is optimistic about Charles taking over.

Apparently he’s got some views on like, a bit more environmentally focused which is good.

Jill Brown says waking up to the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death is “devastating”.

Her first memories of the Queen come from her English grandmother.

My nana is English and she absolutely loves the Queen. My nana used to talk about the Queen all the time when I was a child.

Asked about Charles taking over:

Oh, look, he’s not the most charming person … I would have quite liked to see William step straight into that place, but I guess that’s the tradition. And Lizzie was a traditionalist, you know, so it would honour what she wanted, so, oh, well.

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Kevin Rudd reflects on his meetings with the Queen

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has paid tribute to the Queen. He’s in the UK and said the news came as a shock, given her recent meeting with new prime minister Liz Truss. Speaking to ABC radio, he said:

Most of us here in the UK at the moment were thinking, well she’s just had a little turn and she’ll be back, but no, that wasn’t to be.

Rudd speaks about meeting the Queen. He said the Queen was well-briefed, and knew he was a Republican.

First time around, I remember seeing her at Windsor Castle and I must admit to having felt nervous.

He recalls, during one meeting, the Queen asking him and his wife, Therese Rein, whether they wanted to see the royal family’s corgis. The Queen pressed a button and out came a “tribe” of corgis. Rein remarked that one looked a little different to the rest. The Queen paused, and replied:

Yes, ah, her mother was a trollop.

Rudd said Republicans and Monarchists alike had a “deep and abiding respect” for the Queen, not just because of her longevity, but because she was a good person.

He said she had a deep connection to Australia.

Her main prism for looking at Australia was a deep emotional attachment, historical attachment, to the Commonwealth. She always had a view that countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada, what was described as the ‘Old Commonwealth’, had a particular role to play.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

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Constitutional lawyer explains what happens next

A little earlier, constitutional law expert Anne Twomey was on the ABC, explaining what Australia can expect after the Queen’s death.

Twomey explains that King Charles III immediately becomes king, without any delay. She says Australia’s few remaining privy councillors will be invited to an accession council, which occurs within 24 hours of the monarch’s death.

In the United Kingdom there are a number of ceremonies that are required so they do have an accession council which occurs within 24 hours of the death of the monarch and that is where they invite all the privy councillors to come, and that includes any Australians who are still privy councillors. We haven’t appointed privy councillors for a very long time so there are very few Australians left who fall within that category. There is Sir William Heseltine, he is an Australian and lives in Australia. He would be invited. Of course trying to get from in time from the other side of the world is a bit difficult.

There will be some Australians there but mostly they will be British people or people from the other realms that still appoint privy councillors. At that accession meeting King Charles will make a number of oaths which are important in the British system so that will happen and then there will be heralds that will go around the United Kingdom proclaiming that and I understand then that there are plans for the new king to visit parts of the United Kingdom immediately to be visibly seen as the king in Scotland and Wales and in other places. This is something that he has prepared for for an extremely long time. The preparation and plans are all there so now it will be a matter of activating them. So I think we will see quite a lot of King Charles in the next few days.

A woman holds a bouquet of flowers as crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening.
A woman holds a bouquet of flowers as crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images

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Reaction on the streets of Brisbane

Our reporter Joe Hinchcliffe is on the streets of Brisbane. He has spoken to locals to gauge their reactions to the Queen’s death.

Kirsten Sinclair, 57, was walking Dalmatians Dom and Frank with husband Geoff through the streets of Fortitude Valley on Friday morning discussing the death of Queen Elizabeth. Sinclair says:

I had the BBC on and I heard ‘God Save The Queen’. And I knew straight away.

It was weird. I’m 57 years old, and she’s all I’ve ever known, she’s been on the throne that long.

Sinclair said that reign was marked most by Elizabeth’s “dedication”.

We’ve all seen The Crown.

I don’t think anyone else could have done that.

But where Elizabeth was “never a snob”, the same could not be said of her successor.

Charles thinks he’s better than everyone else.

And he is very peculiar, talking to plants and all that. But whoever his PR machine is, it got him liked again. He was hated after what he did with Di and Camilla … but I still don’t like him.

For others, the royal intrigues were not so much of a talking point.

Electricians Dan, 43, and Peter, 40, were eating danishes outside a coffee shop.

Dan says:

I just found out.

What did I think? Not much. I’m Italian.

Peter says:

I’m an Aussie. And I also didn’t really care.

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'The Queen is dead. Long live the King': Tony Abbott

Former prime minister and monarchist Tony Abbott has released a statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

He says the world has lost “an exemplar of duty, honour and faithfulness”. He said “deep thanks for her life should mingle with numbness and sadness at this loss”.

Nine-tenths of the world’s people have known no other Queen. We can but hope the world might see her like again but none of us ever will. Although I served the Australian people as prime minister, I was always conscious of a duty to her as sovereign. In this sense, I thought the crown lent a touch of dignity to our robust public life. It is so typical of this remarkable woman that she was discharging her duty till her last day on this earth. I’m sure God has saved the Queen and long live the King.

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Politicians react to the Queen’s passing

Deputy prime minister and minister of defence Richard Marles and opposition leader Peter Dutton are on Channel 9 speaking about the Queen and the shock of her passing.

Marles has praised the Queen’s unparalleled “intensity of attention” throughout her reign, and says there will be many plans to commemorate the Queen in Australia, in which Defence will play a large part in those plans.

Dutton says the Queen approached heavy duty at a young age with grace, and has “carried herself with incredible poise every day since” and embodied a “keep calm and carry on mantra”.

In a separate, longer televised statement, Dutton said:

Never in modern history has there been a more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader or more decent human than Queen Elizabeth II. An extraordinary life that touched so many has sadly come to an end. The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign. She was our sovereign. As she was for many other nations of the Commonwealth spread across the world’s continents and oceans, a monarch who ruled with an absolutely huge heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience. Her Majesty was gentle, kind and much loved.

One of humanity’s lights has gone out. May memories of our dear Queen inspire the very best in us, just as she drew inspiration from her subjects. As the leader of the opposition and on behalf of the federal Coalition, I offer my heart felt condolences to the royal family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is finally at peace with her beloved husband the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. Thank you, Your Majesty for everything.

Queen Elizabeth II makes a speech at the opening of the renovations to the Sydney Opera House on 13 March 2006.
Queen Elizabeth II makes a speech at the opening of the renovations to the Sydney Opera House on 13 March 2006. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

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Victoria premier Daniel Andrews offers condolences

Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, has issued a statement offering his condolences to the royal family following the death of Queen Elizabeth II:

Very few of us know a world without the Queen in it. Her presence spanned countries, cultures, language, and continents – her reign transcended decades and generations.

And like no monarch before her, she captured our hearts and our affection. We treasured her, and the entire world respected her.

Andrews says Queen Elizabeth II served with “grace and uncompromising dignity – she raised the bar and blazed a path for women in power to follow”.

He says she visited Victoria 11 times during her reign and made a mark on the state, opening the Commonwealth Games and visiting patients at the Royal Children’s hospital:

She rode a tram around the Hoddle grid, watched Richmond win at the MCG, and caught a show at the Princess Theatre. She travelled across the state – visiting Tatura, Echuca, Rochester, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Ballarat and Geelong – touching so much of what makes Victoria special.

Her historic reign and long life has come to an end, but Victorian’s deep affection and respect for Her Majesty lives on.

May she rest in peace.

Under Victoria’s constitution, MPs will need to swear a new allegiance to King Charles III before the state parliament can sit.

The last sitting week ahead of the election is due to start on Tuesday.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II greets a large crowd in Federation Square in Melbourne on 26 October 2011.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II greets a large crowd in Federation Square in Melbourne on 26 October 2011. Photograph: David Crosling/EPA

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Albanese to travel to London with governor general

Prime minister Anthony Albanese tells 2GB he will travel to London in four days’ time, alongside the governor general David Hurley.

The protocols have been in place, of course, for some time for such a loss. We will be making announcements over the next 48 hours about when this occurs. I will be travelling with the governor general to London, it’s expected that it will be in four days’ time. And there are, of course, a range of commemorations that will occur, and will occur here of course as well, here in Australia. And we’ll be making announcements about that over the next 48 hours. I think this morning is really just a time to pay tribute and to mourn Her Majesty. And I’m sure that Australians who are waking up to this news, in spite of the fact that Her Majesty had lived such a long life, it still comes as a shock. It was as if she was going to always be there.

Albanese describes the Queen as “a constant, a reliable constant, like a ballast really, for the people of the UK and indeed for all of the Commonwealth”.

Her dedication to service and duty, the way that she conducted herself through every prime minister since Winston Churchill. And here of course, in Australia, every prime minister since Robert Menzies, so 16 prime ministers, 16 governors general have either served her or sought advice from her. And it’s been a remarkable life of service and duty, love for her family, love for her country, and a love indeed for Australia that she expressed on many occasions during her visits that of course began way back in 1954.

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‘She has been a part of my life my whole life’

More from the streets of Sydney, where our reporter Natasha May is gauging the mood of Australians following Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

Linda Irvine says she’s “very sad and sad that she worked so hard right up till the end, but she has been a part of my life my whole life … Right from when I was a little girl just with mum and dad watching the events.”

My partner’s a strong royalists, so everyone’s very sad, but she lived a great life and long May she rest.

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Katharine Murphy's view from London

Guardian Australia’s political editor, Katharine Murphy, is in London and has reflected on the sombre mood and reaction in the UK.

After a long, cold, wet winter in Australia, the last days of summer in London have assumed a golden quality. The city is bustling. Restaurants, galleries and museums are full. Raucous drinkers spill out of pubs on to the pavements. Cyclists scream past on their bikes, nudging cars politely out of the way.

But as autumnal rain has fallen this week, winter has crept closer. People sleeping rough on the streets are huddled in doors and in tunnels. Food banks are well populated with working people who can’t afford basics. Inflation is soaring. People are worried about how they will pay their energy bills.

Politics is in flux. During the handful of days I’ve been in London, one prime minister, Boris Johnson, has fallen, and another, Liz Truss, has taken the top job. And as I roamed the state rooms of Buckingham Palace on Thursday morning, another jolt. News that the Queen was under medical supervision began to filter through the crowd of tourists. By the time we’d cleared the palace and reached the garden, the anxiety in the crowd was palpable.

It seemed improbable that the woman who had presided over this extraordinary, gilded, place; a monarch who had given the people of the United Kingdom, the realms and the Commonwealth, such stability and continuity over seven decades, could be mortal. Majesty ebbing to humanity was inexorable, unavoidable – but on the day that actually happened, that mortality seemed like an affront, even to a hardboiled Australian republican bearing witness.

An hour or so later, at The Grenadier, a pub in the diplomatic district close to the palace, an American woman expressed concern to her travelling companions that the marriage of William and Kate could be on the rocks. She’d heard this speculation from a tour guide. She hoped this was hearsay, because those young royals seemed lovely, and one country could only bear so much tumult. A British companion promptly and emphatically declared the insight false.

Throughout the afternoon, as the rain fell, as umbrellas were hoisted and lowered, on the Tube, on the buses, in the shops and the cafes, London was doom-scrolling, hoping their monarch would rally.

Elizabeth did not rally.

She passed.

We will have that piece published in full shortly.

Crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace to pay their respects following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Balmoral on 8 September.
Crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace to pay their respects following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Balmoral on 8 September. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images
Mourners gather in London on Thursday night.
Mourners gather in London on Thursday night. Photograph: Kevin Coombs/Reuters

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More reactions on the streets of Sydney

On the streets of Sydney, more people are reacting to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

Steve Greeson, standing in front of the Queen Victoria Building, said “it’s very sad”.

His first memory of the Queen was as a child seeing her on television when Advance Australia Fair replaced God Save the Queen as the official national anthem in 1974.

George Sika thinks the Queen has had a good run and hopes he makes it to 96.

Hi first memories of the Queen are also on television. Sika believes she’s “done well for the Commonwealth … just to be there, just to be at the ceremonies for watching and she’s quite a charming, lovely lady”.

As for his opinion on Charles taking over, Sika says “he’s a bit of a boring guy”.

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Alexander Downer says Charles would be wise to follow ‘the lead of his mother’

Former foreign affairs minister and high commissioner to the UK, Alexander Downer, said there was a “real sense of shock” and “great national despondency” in Britain.

He says King Charles would be wise to follow “the lead of his mother”, who was able to keep herself out of politics and serve with dignity. He said he was optimistic about the King’s ability to do that and predicts a “fairly favourable revaluation of him” in Australia.

Downer is speaking to the ABC from London.

There is certainly a sense of shock here as you could tell from Steve’s report just before this. Let me put that into some context. On Tuesday, and it’s now Thursday evening here in London, on Tuesday the Queen was accepting the resignation of Boris Johnson and swearing in Liz Truss as the new prime minister so yet, Wednesday, there were the photographs all over the newspapers of the Queen with Liz Truss, the new prime minister, and then she dies a day later. So there is a real sense of shock and I think great national despondency about it despite the fact that she was 96 and hadn’t been very well for quite some time but even so a sense of national despondency.

Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with the Australian high commissioner Alexander Downer at Windsor Castle on 22 April 2015.
Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with the Australian high commissioner Alexander Downer at Windsor Castle on 22 April 2015. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

Downer predicts King Charles III will “go down pretty well with Australians” and that there would be a “fairly favourable revaluation of him”.

Well, I think, you know, Australians love the Queen and I think as far as King Charles is concerned there are two things they’ll think. They first of all feel they kind of know him but they only know him as Prince Charles so the second thing is that they’ll come to look upon him as a king and think about him in that context. I think that will – as it will in the UK and Canada and elsewhere, lead to a kind of revaluation of him which will probably be a fairly favourable revaluation of him. I think he will go down pretty well with Australians.

He remembers being nervous at his first meeting with the Queen as a child in about 1970 with his mother and father, Alick Downer, who was also a former high commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The Queen always put you at ease ... She was a very modest person so quite easy to converse with, quite easy to spend time with. And she had a great love for Australia and a great interest in Australia. So whenever I met her she was full of questions about Australia. So we should be grateful that she loved our country so much and I guess she always knew that was reciprocated.

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Malcolm Turnbull pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Malcolm Turnbull, a former head of the Australian Republican Movement, said the world was united in grief.

He said the Queen’s long life of service “inspired the whole world and was a calm and gracious presence”.

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Reaction in Sydney after death of the Queen

Our reporter Natasha May is in Sydney, getting reactions to news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Speaking outside the Queen Victoria Building, Lucas Turvey says the news took him by surprise.

I only just found out about 10 minutes ago ... I heard from my father.


Turvey says his family’s interest comes from their British background.

His work colleague Josh Ridge says he doesn’t have too many memories of the Queen himself but “most of my family were quite interested”.

I’m unfortunately the same from the younger generation where, where I didn’t go to as many events when she came to Australia so it’s not as prominent but certainly with older generations.

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What happens next

Tomorrow (known as D+1) there will be the proclamation of the new sovereign in the UK, and the high commissioners of the realms will be invited as observers.

Any realm members of the UK Privy Council will be asked to attend, that includes Australian members, the Rt Hon Sir William Heseltine and Rt Hon Ian Sinclair.

A wreath will be laid at the Queen’s Terrace at Parliament House.

On Sunday, (D+2) the Executive Council will meet where the prime minister will recommend to the governor general that he issue the proclamation of accession.

The governor general will read the proclamation of a new sovereign at parliament, which is an event open to the public and there will be a 21 gun salute welcoming King Charles, who is likely to take the regal name, George.

In the UK, the (acting) Australian high commissioner to the UK, Lynette Wood, will attend a reception with the king.

The King will deliver a speech to the UK parliament on D-3 and then on D-6, the prime minister and governor general will travel to the UK for the next stage of the UK plans, including attending the Lying in State, audiences with the king, and the funeral, which will be held on D+10.

The image of Queen Elizabeth II is projected on to a large screen and reflected in a rainy street at Piccadilly Circus in London on Thursday.
The image of Queen Elizabeth II is projected on to a large screen and reflected in a rainy street at Piccadilly Circus in London on Thursday. Photograph: Alberto Pezzali/AP

Updated

Australian Monarchist League predicts fortnight of mourning in Australia for Queen Elizabeth II

The Australian Monarchist League has just spoken to the ABC and has issued a public statement mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

It said her death marks the “close of the second Elizabethan era and heralds a new chapter in world history”.

The League said in a statement that King Charles would “unequivocally continue the longstanding traditions, dutiful service and vital constitutional role which epitomised our late Queen”.

Philip Benwell, national chair, said:

Australia, the Commonwealth of Nations and indeed the whole world will now deeply mourn the longest-serving, oldest and most revered monarch of modern times.

As the only Sovereign the majority of Australians have ever known, Her Majesty The Queen visited this country on 16 occasions and served as Queen of Australia for seventy 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.

Memories of the Queen greeting Australian school children, adorned in the symbol of the wattle, and recognising the service of our armed forces on royal visits will be treasured for years to come.

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!”

On the ABC, the Australian Monarchist League’s Alexander Woltz remembered the courage, enthusiasm and humour of the Queen. He predicts Australia may spend a fortnight in mourning.

One of the many anecdotes that will come out in coming days, he tells a story from Quentin Bryce, Former Governor-General of Australia.

She told a story of when she was hopping into the car with her late husband and the Queen and Prince Philip. And Michael Bryce went to put his seat belt on and the Queen said, “What are you doing with that, this is private property, you don’t seat a seat belt!

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave goodbye as they board their flight in Perth on 29 August 2011 following their 10-day visit to Australia.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave goodbye as they board their flight in Perth on 29 August 2011 following their 10-day visit to Australia. Photograph: Lincoln Baker/Photo by Lincoln Baker/Pool/AFP

Updated

Updated

Australian parliament suspended for 15 days after Queen’s death

The moment Buckingham Palace notified the governor general of the death of the Queen, a plan which has been worked on for years was put in place.

This plan has been passed from governor general to governor general, prime minister to prime minister, guided by the Palace, with exact details on what is to happen over the next 15 days.

The flags are already at half mast. Parliament is suspended for 15 days – so the sitting planned for next week is suspended.

The prime minister and cabinet website and the governor general website will switch to obituary format, and will contain information on events planned for Australia.

For the next fortnight, there will be condolence books at Parliament House, Government House and the PM&C website.

This evening at dusk, there will be a gun salute, with one shot for every year of the queen’s life, with a 10-second interval between each.

That’s the first day. There will be plenty more in the days that follow.

Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Government House in Melbourne, during her tour of Australia in March 1954.
Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Government House in Melbourne, during her tour of Australia in March 1954. Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images

Updated

Albanese says Queen had 'special place in our hearts', will travel to London in coming days

Albanese says Queen Elizabeth II was a “wise and enduring presence” in Australia’s national life. She consulted with 16 separate prime ministers and 16 governors-general served in her name, Albanese says, and the Queen visited every corner of “our vast continent”.

Her words were a source of comfort and solace for millions of Australians, he said.

Travelling to every state and territory across our vast continent. Her first visit with Philip began on February 3, 1954, just eight months after her coronation. It was the biggest single event that got organised in Australia. And it remains a defining moment in our nation’s history. Some seven million Australians, or 70% of our population at the time, turned out to catch a glimpse of the young Queen passing by. Queen Elizabeth II was a wise and enduring presence in our national life. 16 prime ministers consulted with her. And 16 governors-general served in her name. Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II showed a deep affection for our country. As she said at the Sydney Opera House in the year 2000, “Since I first stepped shore here, I have felt part of this rugged, honest, creative land. I have shared in the joys and the sorrow, the challenges that have shaped this country’s history.” Her Majesty celebrated our good times, and she stood with us during trials and hardships. Happy and glorious, but steadfast, too. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster. From floods and bushfires, to wars and a pandemic. Her words and presence were a source of comfort, hope and solace for millions of Australians.

Albanese says he will travel with the governor general to London in coming days to convey the “sorrow of Australians” and give the nation’s best wishes to the King and the Queen consort.

Queen Elizabeth II has been a wise and encouraging guide, always wanting the best for our nation and greeting each change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s judgement. From her first trip here, it was clear Her Majesty had a special place in our hearts, and we, in hers. In the coming days, the governor general and I will be heading to London where we will meet the King. 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. Over the next 48 hours, more details will be shared about the arrangements for the Queen’s funeral and memorial.

Updated

Albanese addresses nation after Queen Elizabeth II

The prime minister Anthony Albanese is addressing the nation about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

He said it is a loss that is “felt deeply in Australia”. The Queen was a rare and reassuring constant in a period of massive change, he said, and was the only monarch to visit Australia, which she did 16 separate times.

There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words. “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

This is a loss we feel deeply in Australia. Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most of us have known, and the only one to ever visit Australia. Over the course of a remarkable seven decades, 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. Her

Majesty served our nation and the Commonwealth for 70 years. She is the longest reigning monarch in British history. And remarkably, the second longest reigning monarch of a sovereign state in world history. Her life of faithful service will be remembered for centuries to come. From the moment the young princess became Queen, Her Majesty’s dedication to duty and service over self were the hallmarks of her reign. Performing her duty with fidelity, integrity and respect for everyone she met. We saw those qualities each time she visited our shores, and she graced us on 16 occasions during her reign.

Updated

Australia enters period of official mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, parliament sitting cancelled

The prime minister Anthony Albanese is in Parliament House. The flag at parliament is flying at half mast. Australia has entered a period of official mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

Condolence books will be opened at parliament as well as at Government House in Yarralumla. There will also be condolence books available virtually on the prime minister’s website.

Tomorrow, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Parliament House with the prime minister, the opposition leader, the governor general and other politicians.

Sittings at parliament were expected to resume from Monday, but due to the Queen’s passing, it will not sit next week. Parliament will therefore not resume until October. That’s when condolence motions will be held.

Floral tributes can be brought to Parliament House but the royal family has asked that Australians consider instead making a donation to charity.

Queen Elizabeth II meets flag-waving school children on arrival at Brisbane on 9 March 1977, during her Silver Jubilee tour of Australia.
Queen Elizabeth II meets flag-waving school children on arrival in Brisbane on 9 March 1977, during her Silver Jubilee tour of Australia. Photograph: PA

Updated

Australian Republic Movement offer sympathies to royal family

The Australian Republic Movement has offered its sympathies to the royal family and thanked Queen Elizabeth II for her service.

Chair Peter FitzSimons said Queen Elizabeth “respected the self-determination of the Australian people” and said it was “unlikely we will ever see a Monarch as respected or admired by the Australian people again”.

The chair of the Australian Republican movement Peter FitzSimons at a dinner in Kings Hall at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 26 November 2019.
The chair of the Australian Republican movement Peter FitzSimons at a dinner in Kings Hall at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 26 November 2019. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Here is the Republic Movement’s statement in full:

The Australian Republic Movement recognises and pays due respect to the significant contribution made by Queen Elizabeth II over more than seven decades as Head of State to Australia and 14 other nations, and expresses its condolences to the Royal Family.

Many Australians have known no other Head of State – the length of her reign was unrivalled. As monarch, Queen Elizabeth was a patron of more than 600 organisations and served them admirably. She rose to become a respected representative of Britain and the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth respected the self-determination of the Australian people. During her reign the Australia Act 1986 was passed eliminating many of the remaining opportunities for UK interference in Australian government. Appeals from Australian courts to British courts were abolished.

The Queen backed the right of Australians to become a fully independent nation during the referendum on an Australian republic in 1999, saying that she has “always made it clear that the future of the Monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people and them alone to decide, by democratic and constitutional means.”

Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Peter FitzSimons AM expressed his sympathies and gratitude on behalf of the Movement.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing and express deep gratitude and thanks for her service to the Commonwealth.

“During her reign, Australia has grown into a mature and independent nation. It is unlikely we will ever see a Monarch as respected or admired by the Australian people again,” FitzSimons said.

Updated

Peter Dutton praises life of Queen Elizabeth II

The opposition leader Peter Dutton has praised the life of Queen Elizabeth II, saying there had been no more dignified monarch, dutiful leader or more decent human in modern history.

Dutton described her life as “extraordinary” and her reign “extraordinary”.

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.

An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end.

The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign.

She was our Sovereign.

As she was for other nations of the Commonwealth spread across the world’s continents and oceans.

A Monarch who ruled with an empathetic heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience.

Her Majesty was gentle, kind, and much-loved.

Following her Coronation on the 2nd of June 1953, our Queen said:

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”

Not only did our Queen earn our trust, she also won our admiration.

In serving the people, the people marvelled at her unflagging service.

Queen Elizabeth II chats with jockeys Ron Quinton and Hilton Cope before the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick racecourse in Sydney on 1 April 1970.
Queen Elizabeth II chats with jockeys Ron Quinton and Hilton Cope before the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick racecourse in Sydney on 1 April 1970. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images

Updated

Albanese to address the nation shortly

We are waiting for the prime minister to address the nation shortly. He is at Parliament House.

The governor general is in Adelaide but will be making his way to Parliament House to make a statement this evening.

Updated

Governor general remembers Queen Elizabeth II as 'truly remarkable person'

The governor general David Hurley has released an initial statement on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

He described the Queen as a “truly remarkable person”, who lived a life of dignity and compassion. She worked tirelessly and selflessly, he said, and showed an unwavering commitment to the people she served.

The governor general will make a further statement later this morning before addressing the nation at 6.55pm tonight.

I join with all Australians in mourning Her Majesty The Queen’s passing and in remembering her lifetime of tireless service. She was a truly remarkable person.

When I reflect on my own memories – she was my Queen for my whole life – I think of Her Majesty’s dignity and her compassion. Her dedication and tireless work ethic. And her selflessness and unwavering commitment to the people that she served. To us.

Her death will sadden all Australians and will be felt around the world.”

As we mourn, we should also take inspiration from and give thanks for the remarkable contribution Her Majesty has made.

Governor general of Australia David Hurley.
Governor general of Australia David Hurley. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Updated

New Zealand prime minister says her nation is waking with 'great sadness'

New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has spoken publicly about the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She described her death as an “enormous loss” and said the Queen’s final days demonstrated her character perfectly, working until the very end for her people.

It is with great sadness that New Zealand wakes to the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. I know I speak for all New Zealanders in conveying our deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family and condolences to King Charles III on behalf of the government in New Zealand for this enormous lost. The last days of the Queen’s life captures who she was in so many ways, working till the very end on behalf of the people she loved. And that is why I am sure we will receive the news of her passing with both emotions of deep sadness but also gratitude for a life that was utterly and completely devoted to the service of others.

pic
Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a cloak of brown kiwi feathers, with Maori warriors at Rugby Park, Gisborne, in February 1977 when she and the Duke of Edinburgh received a New Zealand Maori welcome at the opening of the Royal New Zealand Polynesian Festival. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced. Photograph: PA
Queen Elizabeth II greets Jacinda Ardern during the Commonwealth heads of government meeting at Buckingham Palace on 19 April 2018 in London.
Queen Elizabeth II greets Jacinda Ardern during the Commonwealth heads of government meeting at Buckingham Palace on 19 April 2018 in London. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

Updated

NSW premier Dominic Perrottet says ‘Queen Elizabeth II reigned with “dignity, courage, and commitment’

The New South Wales premier, Dominic Perrottet, has offered his condolences to the royal family. He says the Queen had been an inspiration to the people of NSW, visiting 12 times. Queen Elizabeth II reigned with “dignity, courage, and commitment”, during her seven decades, Perrottet said.

On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at the age of 96.

Today we reflect on the remarkable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The young Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England at the age of 25 after the death of her adored father, King George VI, in 1952. Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.

Her official title was Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II went on to become the longest-reigning British monarch, Australian sovereign and leader of the Commonwealth of Nations, which she navigated for seven decades - with dignity, courage and commitment.

She has been an inspiration to the global community and here in New South Wales, visiting our State 12 times.

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.

The public’s overwhelming jubilation and enthusiasm at seeing the young monarch was the beginning of the state’s long-held joy in her frequent visits.

Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State’s history. She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988.

She also visited NSW regional areas including Newcastle, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Armidale, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, drawing huge crowds of well-wishers.

While we mourn her passing, it is the occasion for the people of NSW to offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty to the Crown, the Commonwealth, and to millions of people across the globe.

More information on how NSW will pay tribute and observances will be provided later today at nsw.gov.au

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on the steps of the veranda at O’Shannassy Chalet, Warburton in March 1954, where they enjoyed a weekend of privacy during their Australian tour.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on the steps of the veranda at O’Shannassy Chalet, Warburton in March 1954, where they enjoyed a weekend of privacy during their Australian tour. Photograph: PA

Updated

Anthony Albanese pays tribute to a 'long life devoted to duty'

Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese has released an early morning statement about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

He said her death was a loss that “we all feel, for few have known a world without Queen Elizabeth II”. He described Her Majesty as a “rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change”.

Here’s the prime minister’s statement in full:

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end.

The Government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother—the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength.

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.

There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

This is a loss we all feel, for few have known a world without Queen Elizabeth II. In her seven remarkable decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and tumult of the years, 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.

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.

Throughout it all, she was a monarch who let her humanity show, performing her duty with fidelity, integrity and humour. In this, she was supported so long and so lovingly by the late Prince Philip, her “strength and stay” for 73 years.

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.

Fifteen more tours before cheering crowds in every part of our country confirmed the special place she held in ours.

As monarch for more than half the life of our Federation, the relationship between Australia and Britain matured and evolved throughout Her Majesty’s reign.

The Queen greeted each and every change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s good judgment.

This was the deft and diplomatic way she bound the diversity of the modern Commonwealth, nations around the world who will mourn her passing.

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.

May she rest in eternal peace.


Good morning.

Australia is waking up to the news that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died at the age of 96.

Prince Charles, 73, is now king, and the Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen Consort.

The news will send shockwaves across the world, including in Australia, where condolences have already begun to flow.

We’ll keep you across all the reaction from Australia in this live blog. Stick with us.

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