We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen on 8 September 2022. Her Majesty died peacefully at age 96 at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire.
During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II has served as Australia's Head of State, consulting with 16 Prime Ministers and appointing 16 Governors-General. The Queen has been the patron of more than 20 Australian charities and associations over the years. She made her first trip to Australia in 1954 and her most recent visit was in 2011.
As head of state, The Queen was the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces. She was also the wife, mother and grandmother of individuals who have served in the Forces. She was a passionate advocate for the Navy, Army, and Air Force throughout her tenure, displaying a deep understanding of the challenges faced by service members.
The Queen has had a long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces, dating back to when she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945. As Princess Elizabeth, she became the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Forces as a full-time active member. During her time in the ATS, the Princess learnt many important skills that would later prove invaluable in her role as Head of the Armed Forces.
Princess Elizabeth trained as a mechanic and received her qualifications just a few weeks before the end of the Second World War in Europe. As England celebrated the end of the War in Europe on 8 May 1945 the young princess, dressed in her ATS uniform, slipped into the crowds celebrating the end of the war.
Her Majesty was the Captain-General and Colonel-in-Chief of several Australian Defence Force corps and the patron of several Australian Defence Force units.
The new Sovereign's accession is automatic. Australia proclaimed the ascension of King Charles III yesterday, with hundreds of people lining the forecourt and streets around Parliament House to watch the formal ceremony.
A little over a year ago, we mourned after the passing of Prince Phillip, Today, we pay respects to those dedicated decades of service and sacrifice and our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Queen Elizabeth II's family.
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