The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has brought an end to the second Elizabethan Age which spanned more than 70 of the most remarkable years of world history, the Most Rev Anthony Randazzo, Bishop of Broken Bay said today.
“We now pray for the late Queen’s eternal rest and commend her soul to the merciful love and kindness of God, whose reign is eternal,” Bishop Randazzo said.
The Queen died at her Balmoral estate in the Scottish Highlands just after 6.30pm local time or 3.30am Friday morning, 9 September 2022.
When news broke of the Queen’s death, crowds began gathering throughout the night outside Buckingham Palace in London.
She was surrounded by her immediate family.
When news of her death at the age of 96 was announced, people began gathering and laying flowers at Buckingham Palace in memory of the longest-reigning British monarch in history.
The late Queen’s eldest son Charles, now becomes King Charles III.
Shortly after her death, Pope Francis sent a telegram to offer his condolences to King Charles.
Queens Elizabeth II and Prince Philip meeting Pope Francis.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. I offer heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, the People of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth,” he wrote.
The Pope said he joins everyone who mourns her loss “in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in His promises”.
The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Timothy Costello SDB, said the Queen’s long reign was marked by an extraordinary constancy, fidelity, courage and service, and will bring great sadness to many people in Australia, including members of the Catholic community.
“Queen Elizabeth was never reticent about acknowledging her Christian faith,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Her annual Christmas message was invariably focused on Jesus Christ as a model of humble and generous service. It was a model she strived to emulate throughout her long life.
“May she rest in peace.”
Tributes from leaders around the world, and of all political persuasions have poured in to Buckingham Palace. Many remarked on the great joy and fulfilment she found in the service of her people and her trust in God and her profound love for God.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor came to the throne as a 25-year old mother of two following the death of her father, King George.
At her request, Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 was the first to be broadcast on television.
She spent 73 years alongside her husband Prince Philip until his death in April 2021.
Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss, the new UK Prime Minister, during the audience at Balmoral in Scotland two days before her death.
The last public images of the Queen showed her at Balmoral meeting the new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, just two days before she died .
The UK has declared a period of 10 days of national mourning ahead of the Queen’s funeral which will be held at Westminster Abbey in London.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said; “Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and turbulence of the years, she embodies and exhibited a timeless decency and enduring calm.”
The PM will travel with the Governor-General to London in coming days to meet King Charles, and offer the nation’s condolences.