Queen Elizabeth II
1926 – 2022
Queen Elizabeth II was much loved and respected by Queenslanders having served as the Sovereign for more than 70 years. The Queen will be remembered fondly by millions worldwide as the longest reigning monarch of the Commonwealth.
In recognition of her contribution, a National Day of Mourning and public holiday was declared for Thursday 22 September 2022 across Australia.
The Queen visited Queensland on eight occasions, the first visit being in 1954, and then subsequent visits in 1963, 1970, 1977, 1982, 1988, and 2002 with her last visit being to Brisbane in October 2011 to show her support of Queenslanders who suffered in the floods that occurred earlier in that year.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September. The service was livestreamed to allow people around the world to take part in mourning The Queen.
You can watch the entire live broadcast or video highlights on The Royal Family’s channel on YouTube.
Australian Memorial Service
As part of the National Day of Mourning, the Australian Memorial Service for Queen Elizabeth II was held at Australian Parliament House.
The bells at City Hall in Brisbane rang for the duration of 70 chimes, one for each year of Her Majesty's reign.
Queen Elizabeth II timeline – connection to Queensland
6 February, 1952
Image Courtesy of Department of Resources
The Queen is proclaimed Sovereign, following the death of her father, King George VI.
March, 1954
Image Courtesy of Department of Resources
Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch to visit Australia. While in Queensland, she visited several regional centres, including Cairns and Mackay, starting and finishing her visit to Queensland in Brisbane.
March, 1963
Image courtesy and copyright the State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
The Queen returns to Queensland, visiting both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. She visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the Gold Coast surf carnival at Coolangatta.
April, 1970
Image courtesy and copyright the State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
The Queen visited Queensland for the bicentennial anniversary of Captain Cook’s arrival.
March, 1977
Image courtesy and copyright Brisbane City Council.
The Queen and Prince Phillip visited Queensland to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of her reign.
October, 1982
Image courtesy and copyright the State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The Queen and Prince Phillip visit Australia to attend the XII Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. Prince Phillip opened the Games on 30 September, with the Queen closing the Games on 9 October.
April, 1988
Image courtesy and copyright the State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The Queen returned to Australia for the Bicentennial celebrations and came to Brisbane to open Expo '88.
March, 2002
Image courtesy and copyright the State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The Queen visited Queensland to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at Coolum.
October, 2011
Image courtesy and copyright the State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The Queen visited a number of cities during her tour, including Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Perth.
6 February, 2022
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Lighting.