Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed Australians will be given a day off this month to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

A National Day of Mourning has been declared for September 22nd, the Thursday after Albanese returns from the Queen’s funeral in London.

The Prime Minister told the ABC it will be a one-off national public holiday. “That’s to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” he said. “I spoke to all Premiers and chief ministers yesterday and I’m writing to them formally this morning, they will have received their letters by now. They have all agreed that it’s appropriate that it be a one-off national public holiday.”

Victorians will be the big winners, though, with the state already observing a public holiday for the AFL Grand Final on the Friday.

The PM will fly to London on Thursday to attend the Queen’s funeral with Australian Governor-General David Hurley.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed the funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey on September 19th, following four days where the Queen will lie in state to allow the public to pay their respects to the fallen monarch.

Australia’s National Day of Mourning will coincide with the national memorial service, to be held at Parliament Houses’ Great Hall. Leaders from all states and territories have been invited to the service, which will also mark the end of Australia’s observation period for the Queen’s death.

Queen Elizabeth II died “peacefully” at Balmoral last week, following months of speculation of poor health.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine