The plan for how Commonwealth leaders react has been in place for years, set down by the Palace. It gets passed from governor-general to governor-general and prime minister to prime minister. Here is what happens next (Today is known as D day, tomorrow D+1 and so on)
The parliament is suspended immediately and not returned for at least 15 days. So next week's sitting is cancelled and parliament won't resume now until October.
Flags go to half mast. PM&C and GG websites go to obit mode.
A 96 gun salute at parliament will be held at dusk
Tomorrow, wreaths will be laid at the Queen's Tce at APH. In the UK, the proclamation of the new Sovereign (Charles) will be announced. The Aust HC to the UK attends. On D+2, the GG will read the Proclamation of new Sovereign at APH. There will be a 21-Gun salute.
In the UK, our high commissioner will attend a reception with the King (still D+2)
On D+3, King Charles (regal name likely to be George) will give a speech to the UK parliament which the high commissioner will attend
On D+6 (Thursday) the PM and GG and their partners will depart for the UK.
On D+8 in the UK, the King will 'hold an audience' (meet with) the Australian PM and GG and high commissioner. The PM and GG will also attend the Lying in State at Westminster Hall.
On D+9 there will be an evening reception with the King and international heads of state.
On D+10, the Queen's funeral will be held, followed by a post funeral reception.
The next day, the flags go back up.
After the GG and PM return to Australia (shortly after the funeral) there will be a national memorial service, attended by all of parliament, all first ministers, chief justices, former ministers, former PMs and GGs, ambassadors etc
The national day of mourning isn't set as yet (will depend on when they get back from the UK) but will include a minute's silence
ends
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