Announcement ceremonies were held in Australia and New Zealand on Sunday.
Australia King Charles III was formally installed as head of state, with the country’s Governor-General David Hurley proclaimed in the nation’s parliament in Canberra. A series of proclamation ceremonies will also be held across the country’s state parliaments on Sunday.
A national day of remembrance will be held on September 22, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returns from Britain, where he will attend the Queen’s funeral. A memorial service will also be held on that day, which has been declared a one-time public holiday.
As head of state, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia 16 times.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Governor General Cindy Kerro attended a televised ceremony outside Parliament.
Ardern said Queen Elizabeth has served the people of New Zealand for 70 years with unwavering duty.
For the vast majority of New Zealanders, she is the only monarch we have known, and so upon her death we enter a time of change,” Ardern said.
“King Charles has always been fond of Aotearoa New Zealand and has consistently shown his deepest care for our nation. This relationship is deeply valued by our people,” Ardern said.
