Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, tributes continue to pour in far and wide for the monarch.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has now released a statement in wake of the news.
“From her famous first trip to Australia, the only reigning sovereign to ever visit, it was clear Her Majesty held a special place in her heart for Australia,” he wrote.
“Fifteen more tours before cheering crowds in every part of our country confirmed the special place she held in ours.
“As monarch for more than half the life of our Federation, the relationship between Australia and Britain matured and evolved throughout Her Majesty’s reign The Queen greeted each and every change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s good judgment.”
The politician continued: “This was the deft and diplomatic way she bound the diversity of the modern Commonwealth, nations around the world who will mourn her passing.”
He went on to say that today “marks an and of an era” with “the close of the second Elizabethan age”.
“This time of mourning will pass but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade.
“May she rest in eternal peace.”
On September 8, 2022, it was announced the Her Majesty, The Queen had passed peacefully at Balmoral, aged 96.
The news came via a short, 26-word statement released by Buckingham Palace.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow”.