‘National Day of Mourning’: Australians given ‘one-off’ public holiday to mark Queen’s death

Australians have been given a public holiday to pay the appropriate respects to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing a “one-off” National Day of Mourning.

Broadcasted live across the country, Thursday, September 22 will include a National Memorial Service, held in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House in Canberra at 11:00 am.

September 22nd will be a national public holiday and an opportunity for communities all over Australia to remember the Queen. pic.twitter.com/F6q7yYYGB1

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 11, 2022

Albanese said he’d conferred with the nation’s Premiers and Chief Ministers on the decision to allow the Australian public the day to honour the Queen.

“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 have asked Premiers and Chief Ministers that Thursday 22 September 2022 be declared a National Public Holiday in honour of the life and service of our late Queen. Over the coming weeks, Australia will continue to commemorate our late Queen.

“I encourage all Australians, wherever you may be, to take time to pause and reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of service.”

Respect and expressions of sorrow from mourners across the Commonwealth have continued in a steady flow since the announcement of her death on September 8 brought the world to a standstill.

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace to sing God Save the Queen as they grieved the loss of the longest-reigning Monarch.

Mourners have lined the gates of Buckingham Palace with flowers and notes of condolences for the Royal Family.

The King and The Queen Consort have arrived at Buckingham Palace.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties received a warm reception from members of the public who were paying their respects. pic.twitter.com/1kw62rljUI

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 9, 2022

Members of The Queen’s family view the many floral tributes that have been left in memory of Her Majesty at Balmoral. pic.twitter.com/T5MBcl0hpy

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 10, 2022

Buckingham Palace has created an online space for those who would like to write a tribute to the Queen on the Royal website.