Death of Elizabeth II: sadness dominates in Australia
Audio 01:16
In Australia, bouquets of flowers and messages of condolence were laid outside Government House in Sydney on September 8, 2022. via REUTERS - STRINGER
Text by: Grégory Plesse
1 min
The death of the Queen of England is making headlines all over the planet.
But the disappearance of Elizabeth II has a particular resonance in the countries of the Commonwealth, and more particularly in Australia, where she was the first, and so far the only British monarch, to go during her reign.
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From our correspondent in Australia,
Grégory Plesse
In the streets of Sydney, this Friday, September 9, the feeling that dominates is sadness.
A grief perfectly represented by Bob: “
Tears came to my eyes this morning, as I think for most people.
She has always been part of our lives and we cannot say anything negative about her, she was an exceptional woman.
»
And even those who are not particularly royalists have a lump in their hearts this morning, like for example Paul: "
I am not a fan of the royal family but I thought she was a fantastic woman, that she did a very good job and like many people today, I am saddened by his passing.
»
A grief which, however, affects the younger generations less.
Flynn, for example, thinks the death of this very popular queen is a golden opportunity for Australia: “
I believe this is a great opportunity for Australia to break away from the monarchy and become a republic.
This is a great opportunity for our country.
»
Across Australia, monuments and buildings have been illuminated in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the light she brought to so many.
pic.twitter.com/yQXIWrBtxR
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 9, 2022
Within the new Labor government there is a Ministry for the Republic.
But for now, the time is not for regime change.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a period of national mourning.
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To read also: Death of Elizabeth II: the long and not so quiet reign of a popular queen
New Zealand remembers Queen Elizabeth
Like all other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand entered a period of mourning this Friday morning.
Flags are at half mast and several books of condolences have been placed in public buildings across the country, as well as in churches in Wellington.
There were several thousand to meditate alongside the 16th Army Battalion on September 9 in the New Zealand capital, where the cannons fired 96 shots facing the sea, in tribute to the years lived by the Queen of England.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke in an address to Parliament.
Facing reporters, she expressed her deep sadness and called Queen Elizabeth "
an extraordinary person
".
She also described the nature of her relationship with Queen Elizabeth II.
Jacinda Ardern, who also became a mother during her tenure, had asked her for advice on her role as a parent or grandparent when she had an obligation to serve the country.
The queen had simply replied that she had no choice, that she had to mix it all up at once.
The New Zealand Prime Minister then confided that she learned a lot from the Queen of England by observing her during their meetings.
She also mentioned the human side that Elizabeth II could have during these conversations.
Finally, like many, the Prime Minister also underlined the humor of the queen.
And as proof, during a 1986 visit to New Zealand, some demonstrators had thrown eggs at the queen.
She later quipped by reminding Parliament that New Zealand eggs were her favorite in her English Breakfast.
The Prime Minister is now awaiting the invitation from Buckingham Palace to go soon with several New Zealand representatives to the Queen's funeral.
Correspondence in Wellington,
Richard Tindiller
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