Anthony Albanese has described his one-on-one assembly with King Charles forward of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth as a “nice honour”.
“I prolonged my private condolences to King Charles but in addition the condolences of the Australian folks,” the prime minister stated from London on Sunday morning Australian time.
“He’s very aware of the connection that was there between his mom, Her Majesty, and Australia. However he additionally has, after all, a detailed private connection, spending six months of his education in Australia and we had a fairly a substantial engagement and dialogue.”
Albanese stated protocol required he not talk about an excessive amount of element of the Buckingham Palace chat but it surely was “a really heat engagement”.
The prime minister additionally held casual talks with the UK prime minister, Liz Truss, at her residence in Kent, their second face-to-face assembly however the first since her transfer to Downing Avenue.
Albanese and his companion, Jodie Haydon, attended the mendacity in state of Queen Elizabeth at Westminster on Saturday after which Lancaster Home to signal the condolence guide and make a press release in reminiscence of Queen Elizabeth.
Albanese will tackle a commemorative luncheon at Australia Home on Sunday that may embody the 9 Australians who’ve travelled with him and the governor common, David Hurley, to London on the palace’s request.
The prime minister is anticipated to ship a tribute lauding Queen Elizabeth as somebody who transcended limitations whereas sustaining a particular bond with Australia.
“At the same time as historical past continued to form us, and the bond between our two nations advanced, the love and respect during which we held Her Majesty remained – unchanged, undiminished,” he’s anticipated to say.
“The Queen transcended limitations. You possibly can be a republican, and nonetheless really feel nothing however regard for her.”
Albanese will even recall the Queen’s 16 visits to Australia, together with a day on the races with former prime minister Bob Hawke in 1988, which he described as “one of the Australian experiences of all”.
“She celebrated our good instances, and stood with us in our instances of trial, bringing sympathy and luxury when it was so badly wanted,” he’ll say.
The prime minister has revealed particulars of Australia’s nationwide memorial service on Thursday following his return residence.
The occasion will probably be MCed by tv character Melissa Doyle, with singer Anthony Callea to carry out and every of the state premiers and chief ministers, state governors, federal members, senators and the federal opposition chief, Peter Dutton, to attend.
The day has been declared a public vacation.
The Queen’s funeral – which Albanese stated can be a “sombre day” – will probably be televised at 8pm (AEST) on Monday.