Tag Archives: oceania

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Aussies given public holiday to mourn Queen Elizabeth II

Australians will be given a public holiday on September 22 to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.

He said the day will officially be called the "National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty The Queen".

The public holiday will be a one-off for 2022 to allow Australians to pay their respects.

LIVE UPDATES: Body language expert breaks down Harry and Meghan's public appearance

"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," Albanese said.

"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."

READ MORE: Date for Queen's funeral confirmed as more details revealed

https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1568738523125252097

A National Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House in Canberra and will begin with one minute's silence.

It will be broadcast live across the nation.

The Prime Minister, Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Premiers and Chief Ministers and other attendees from across Australia will be invited to come together to pay their respects.

READ MORE: What happens to the Queen's Birthday long weekend now?

"Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second led a remarkable life, dedicated to service and duty," Albanese said.

"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 to visit Australia and it was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in our hearts."

The Queen's funeral is set to take place on Monday September 19 at 11am local time, which is approximately 8pm AEST that evening.

States and territories across Australia will swear in the newly proclaimed King Charles III this week, with a public ceremony to be held in Sydney Sunday afternoon.

All public transport will be free across New South Wales as those hoping to witness the historic event make their way to NSW Parliament House on Macquarie Street.

The ceremony, which will consist of the playing of the Royal and Australian National Anthem by the NSW Police Force band and a 21-Gun Salute will begin at 12.30pm.

READ MORE: How the Queen's death will change Aussie currency

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William, Harry, Kate and Meghan reunite in mourning

Princes William and Harry, along with their wives, Kate and Meghan, have emerged in public together for the first time since the Queen's death.

The two couples made a point of walking through the gates of Windsor Castle together, a powerful message given the constant speculation about a family rift.

The royals spent more than half an hour walking around outside the gates, examining the enormous pile of flowers left behind in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and meeting with some of the huge crowds that had gathered.

LIVE UPDATES: Queen's funeral confirmed for September 19

"No matter what room of the castle you are in, you can feel her presence," the Duke of Sussex said, describing the Queen as a "great granny".

The two couples were often separate as they spoke to members of the public and even accepted flowers, but royal watchers saw the moment as the second olive branch extended to the Sussexes in two days.

READ MORE: Prince William pens emotional tribute as he contemplates 'life without Grannie'

Multiple networks reported that the newly crowned Prince of Wales invited his brother and the Duchess of Sussex to join he and Kate on the walk.

"The Waleses had always been scheduled to greet well-wishers at Windsor Castle, but royal sources say the decision to invite the Sussexes was made in the eleventh hour," said Omid Scobie, who wrote the Harry and Meghan biography Finding Freedom, in a tweet.

READ MORE: Palace confirms state service to be held on September 19 at Westminster Abbey

"It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers.

"Just as we saw after the death of Prince Philip and at his funeral, these are the moments when members of the royal family can put differences to one side to focus on the loss that has brought them together.

READ MORE: What happens to the Queen's Birthday public holiday in Australia now?

"Today's public reunion was a show of the utmost respect to the Queen."

CNN cited a source saying William thought it was important to show unity at such a difficult time for the family.

Charles' loving reference to Harry and Meghan in his first speech to the nation as King, less than 24 hours earlier, was also seen by many as a peace overture.

"I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas," he said, after sharing his pride in William.

Before younger pair's resignations as working royals and move to the United states, the couples had been seen together so much they were nicknamed the "fab four".

But Harry and Meghan's exit, combined with negative comments about "the Firm" made in high-profile interviews such as the one with Oprah Winfrey, led many to speculate about a rift.

The appearance of the four together at Prince Philip's funeral last year had also been seen as a mending of bridges.