Australians will be given a public holiday on September 22 to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
He said the day will officially be called the “National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty The Queen”.
The public holiday will be a one-off for 2022 to allow Australians to pay their respects.
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“It will be a national, one-off public holiday to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” Albanese told ABC’s Insiders.
“I spoke to all Premiers and Chief Ministers yesterday and I am writing to them formally this morning. They should have received their letters by now.
“They have all agreed it is appropriate that there be a a one-off national public holiday.”
The Queen’s funeral is set to take place on Monday September 19 at 11am local time, which is approximately 8pm AEST that evening.
States and territories across Australia will swear in the newly proclaimed King Charles III this week, with a public ceremony to be held in Sydney Sunday afternoon.
All public transport will be free across New South Wales as those hoping to witness the historic event make their way to NSW Parliament House on Macquarie Street.
The ceremony, which will consist of the playing of the Royal and Australian National Anthem by the NSW Police Force band and a 21-Gun Salute will begin at 12.30pm.
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