As the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death continues to send shockwaves around the world, Australia has actioned a secret plan that has been decades in the making.
Passing at 96 after 73 years of ruling Britain and serving as head of state for Australia and the Commonwealth now means a series of protocols will go into motion in Canberra.
Firstly, a national public holiday is set to form part of our response to her Majesty’s death, with these plans being revised yearly since 2017.
“London Bridge is down” are the code words from Buckingham Palace that have started the 10-day long process that begins with Charles being named King, and will conclude with Her Majesty’s funeral.
Anthony Albanese was informed of the Monarch’s death an hour before the rest of the world via an official announcement. It was understood that the prime minister’s staff have carried a ceremonial black tie for Albanese to wear immediately following the tragic news.
While this day is devastating for her family, Royal watchers and loyal fans across the globe, everyone will go into a period of mourning and the Queen will forever be immortalised with the announcement of a new national public holiday in Australia.
A memorial service in Australia will be held at an Anglican Church, yet to be confirmed, after the state funeral.
Prince Charles will now become King Charles III, as proclaimed in Britain at St James’s Palace, and his new full title will be “Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth”.
Camilla Parker Bowles will assume the title of Queen Consort, as confirmed by The Queen herself earlier in 2022 when she said: “It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as queen consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Buckingham Palace has placed a note on the fence, informing the public of the Queen’s passing, while the palace floodlights have been extinguished as a traditional piece of symbolism.
Of course, news of the new public holiday will be on hold until 11 days after the Queen has been farewelled.
Her Majesty’s procession will take place ten days after her death, at Westminster Abbey at 11am, a committal at 3:55 pm at Windsor Castle and a private burial at the castle at 7pm.
There will be four official Australian mourners in attendance on that day – the Prime Minister, his partner, the governor-general David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley.
They will be flown in two RAAF planes that will also collect Pacific leaders and transport them to London for the Queen’s funeral.
Mr Albanese will have a ceremonial role for the service in the United Kingdom as well as at home in Australia, and a further 10 to 12 notable Australians will be invited to attend the Queen’s funeral.
They are expected to include Indigenous Australians, as well as representatives from charitable, religious, sporting and community organisations.
Flags will be flown at half-mast in the UK and Australia for ten days and bells will be rung in churches across Australia.
Image: Instagram
