Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed a one-off public holiday to coincide with a national service for Queen Elizabeth II.
The day of mourning and national service will take place in Canberra on Thursday, September 22.
Mr Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley will fly to London later this week ahead of the Queen’s state funeral which will take place next Monday, September 19.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet with King Charles and UK Prime Minister Liz Truss.
He will return to Australia on the Wednesday after the funeral with Australia’s national service to take place the following day.
Read more: Queen’s funeral to take place September 19
“It will be a one-off national public holiday. That’s to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” Mr Albanese told the ABC.
“I spoke to all Premiers and chief ministers yesterday and I’m writing to them formally this morning, they will have received their letters by now. They have all agreed that it’s appropriate that it be a one-off national public holiday.”
More to come.
