Queen Elizabeth gave a rousing address at Parliament House this evening, praising Australian’s bravery, generosity and fortitude.
The 85-year-old monarch was the picture of poise as she delivered her only public address during her stay in Canberra.
In pictures: Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Australia
She began by expressing her joy at being back on Australian shores again, and went on to describe how the country has grown during 59 years on the throne.
“Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Australia,” she said. “I find it difficult to believe that it is already five years since our last visit.
“Ever since I first came here in 1954, I have watched Australia grow and develop at an extraordinary rate. This country has made dramatic progress economically, in social, scientific and industrial endeavours and, above all, in self-confidence.”
The monarch also lauded Australia’s economy, scientific achievements and contributions to “world peacekeeping”. She then paid tribute to everyone affected by the Queensland and Victorian floods, Cyclone Yasi and the Christchurch earthquake.
“The world witnessed the anguish of Australians as they lived through a summer of natural disasters,” she said.
“We were all impressed by the courage and resolution shown by those affected, in the face of crippling desolation. Prince William also saw first-hand the fortitude of people during this testing time.”
Prime Minister Julia Gillard honoured the queen in her speech, praising the royal’s dedication to Australia over her years as sovereign.
Gillard also alluded to the possibility of Australia becoming a republic in the future, but reassured the queen that no matter what happened, Australians would honour and respect her as long as she lived.
“Your Majesty, we do not know where Australia’s path of nationhood may lead in the times to come,” Gillard said.
“We are, as you once so rightly said, ‘a country on the move and will go on being so’. But we know this for a certainty: your journey of service will continue all the length your of days.
Opposition leader Tony Abbott also addressed the reception, and was a surprise hit, keeping guests in fits of laughter throughout his speech.
“Your Majesty, while 11 Australian prime ministers and no less than 17 opposition leaders have come and gone, for 60 years you have been a presence in our national story and given the vagaries of public life, I’m confident that this will not be the final tally of the politicians that you have outlasted,” he quipped.
Abbott also poked fun at Prince Philip’s infamous sense of humour, recalling an anecdote about the Duke and Cate Blanchett.
“To your Royal Highness, Prince Philip, may I say that you have brought humanity and irreverence to what might otherwise be a stuffy institution,” he said.
“When introduced to Cate Blanchett as someone who works in movies, you asked her whether she could help to fix the palace DVD. Only locals are allowed to joke about our Cate so that makes you at least an honorary Australian.”
In pictures: Previous royal visits to Australia
On a more serious note, Abbott spoke in support of ending discrimination against women in Britain’s line of succession and allowing royals to marry Catholics.
The royal couple spent 45 minutes mingling with guests before returning to Government House.
Tomorrow, the queen will attend a Trooping of the Colour ceremony at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
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