Premier sends condolences on the death of Her Majesty The Queen

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will send condolences on behalf of Queensland to Buckingham Palace following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“Queen Elizabeth was loved and respected, and represented all that was dignified and positive in the Royal Family.

“Her Majesty was a constant reminder of the true meaning of service, integrity and courage, and she was admired around the world, especially here in Queensland.”

The Queen will be remembered fondly as the longest-reigning monarch of the Commonwealth, having succeeded to the throne on 6 February 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI.

Nine months after Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London, she arrived in Brisbane on 9 March 1954 as the only reigning monarch to visit Queensland.

Her Majesty stayed at Government House in Brisbane with Queensland Governor Sir John Lavarack and his wife Lady Sybil Lavarack, and her busy itinerary also included regional visits to Bundaberg, Oakey, Toowoomba, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Great Barrier Reef.

This was the first of 16 visits to Australia, and eight to Queensland, as The Queen.

“Queen Elizabeth remained a welcome and popular visitor to Queensland’s shores throughout her life, celebrating our culture and traditions,” the Premier said.

“She always provided reassurance in the aftermath of natural disasters and at times of concern for Queenslanders, sending messages of strength and support.

“On her final visit to Queensland in October 2011, Her Majesty paid tribute to the resilience and courage of Queenslanders in the aftermath of the floods and Cyclone Yasi.

“Her subsequent public walk along Brisbane’s South Bank, greeted by thousands of Queenslanders, emphasised the great affection in which she was held in Queensland, Australia and around the world.”

During her reign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was served by 15 Australian Prime Ministers, 16 Governors-General of Australia and 13 Queensland Premiers.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was devoted to her duty, and she was always very popular and someone who generated an enormous amount of esteem,” the Premier said

“We are all very saddened by her death.”

Queenslanders will have an opportunity to express their grief and condolences at an online condolence book, which will be available at www.qld.gov.au/condolences. This will be presented to the Royal Family. 

Government House will make arrangements for the public who wish to pay their respects at the statue of Her Majesty the Queen on the Estate.

ENDS