After months of poor health, Queen Elizabeth II finally died today aged 96.
News of her passing was confirmed by the Royal Family’s official accounts. “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,” a statement said.
What does the Queen’s death mean for Australia? According to news.com.au, it could mean a public holiday in the country. In a leaked brief prepared for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this year, it was revealed that a national day of commemoration could be part of Australia’s response to the death.
While it’s unclear when this would take place, it could be soon. The Commonwealth is about to enter into 10 days of official mourning and remembrance, beginning with the ascension of Prince Charles to the throne.
It will culminate in the Queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey, with massive crowds expected to gather in London for her final procession.
In Australia, several tributes will be paid. Flags will be flown at half-mast for the next 10 days, while church bells will ring across the country. PM Albanese is also expected to wear a special black tie to mark the death.
Upon her death, Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest reigning monarch and the second-longest reigning sovereign monarch in the world.
In a statement released shortly after news of her passing was confirmed, King Charles, formerly Prince of Wales, remembered his mother.
“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
