It was with shock and sadness that I learnt of the sudden passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Her achievements have been remarkable, and I doubt we will ever see them repeated.
The young Princess ascended to the throne in 1952 aged just 25, and prior to her death at 96 years, she was the oldest monarch in the world and had reigned for more than 70 years, longer than any other British monarch in history.
During a speech to mark her 21st birthday, in 1947, Queen Elizabeth declared that her whole life ‘whether it be long or short’ would be devoted to the service of her subjects across the Commonwealth, a vow that she upheld until her death.
Queen Elizabeth was the monarch to 14 countries in addition to the United Kingdom and she was also the Head of the Commonwealth, which consists of 54 countries including our own.
During her record-breaking reign Queen Elizabeth visited 117 countries, clocking up an estimated 1,661, 668.6 kilometres, that is the equivalent of almost 42 trips around the world.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth became the first ruling monarch to set foot on Australian soil, and she would make a total of 16 trips to our country throughout her long reign, including eight visits to Queensland.
I was privileged enough to meet her Majesty in 2011 during her visit to our nation’s capital, one of 14 trips she made to Canberra.
No doubt Queen Elizabeth’s passing will prompt renewed debate about Australia’s relationship with the Royal Family and the role of Head of State, but now is not the time for those discussions.
I hope you will join me in commemorating the incredible service and dedication of Queen Elizabeth II as we mourn her passing and congratulate King Charles III on his ascension to the throne.
