Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed details of Queen Elizabeth II’s Australian memorial service to be held during a one-off public holiday on Thursday, September 22.
Just shy of two weeks since the Monarch’s passing, the service will begin with a minute of silence and will include tributes to Her Majesty’s numerous visits to Australia inclusive of Sir William Dargie’s 1954 “wattle” portrait of the Queen.
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Journalist and TV personality Melissa Doyle will run the service held in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, which the Queen officially opened during a visit in 1988.
The ceremony will also include performances from the Australian Girls Choir and Sir Anthony Callea.
The Queen’s favourite flowers, golden wattle, sweet peas and dahlias are expected to be a prominent detail for the service.
Albanese labelled the public holiday a “National Day of Mourning” to reflect on the Queen’s incredible 70-year reign.
“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second led a remarkable life, dedicated to service and duty,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most Australians have known and her faithful service will be remembered for centuries to come. Her Majesty was the only reigning monarch to ever visit Australia and it was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in our hearts.
“I encourage all Australians, wherever you may be, to take time to pause and reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of service.”
The memorial service will be the first engagement for Albanese and Governor-General since their return from the Queen’s State Funeral in London and will be attended by the nation’s state leaders, and members of federal parliament and include foreign diplomats.
Albanese shared his experience from Her Majesty’s State Funeral on social media, saying he was “deeply moved” and privileged to be invited to the service.
Walking along the Thames early on Sunday morning, I was deeply moved by the quiet solidarity of the thousands of people who had queued through the night to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. All walks of life, united in their grief and gratitude. pic.twitter.com/htxh4U8rRn
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 20, 2022
The funeral service was in that same noble spirit. Representatives from around the world joined the Royal Family and the British people in giving thanks for The Queen’s life and her example, saluting her devotion to duty, faith and family.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 20, 2022
It was a privilege to be part of the Australian delegation and a witness to history.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 20, 2022
The Queen’s memorial service will begin at 11:00 am and will be broadcast live across the country.