Australia will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth with a public holiday on Thursday September 22nd 2022, as part of a national memorial service to be held in Canberra that day, following her funeral in London.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a National Day of Mourning.
'It will be a one-off national public holiday to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,' he said.
“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second led a remarkable life, dedicated to service and duty,” the PM 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 to 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.”
The national public holiday will fall on the day before the Grand Final Eve public holiday in Victoria meaning residents in the state will get a four-day weekend.
A memorial service will also be held on the day at a yet-to-be-confirmed Anglican cathedral and will be attended by all of parliament, former ministers, former PMs, governors-generals and ambassadors.
A minute of silence will be observed and flags around the country will be lowered to half-mast.
The service will be held days after Mr Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley return from the state funeral for the Queen in London on September 19th.
