Homesick After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, British expats in Australia have banded together to express their grief at being so distant from England.
On Friday, British expats went to a Facebook group to offer their condolences to Her Royal Highness, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 96 in Balmoral.
Dozens of mourners have expressed homesickness and feelings of isolation, as Her Majesty was, for many, the only sovereign they have ever known.
One woman commented in a forum for Brits in Australia and New Zealand, “Feeling so emotional at the Queen’s passing.”
“I wish I were in England to process and jointly express these emotions. Always find it difficult to be absent on days of such significance.
Many sympathized with her feelings, expressing a desire to be with loved ones in their homelands as they come to grips with Her Majesty’s passing.
As a result of hearing the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, British expatriates are battling homesickness. People assemble in front of Buckingham Palace to pay homage to Her Royal Highness.
Brits residing in Australia have banded together to express their anguish and need to be with “their people”
Another responded, “I agree completely, I feel quite far from home at the moment and also the yearning to be with my own.”
‘Same for me,’ someone other chimed.
I was previously unable to describe why I felt I should be in the United Kingdom. I believe it has to do with feeling at home among my own people.
Another expat claimed they were “feeling terribly homesick today,” while another remarked, “I want to be with “my people” in England so desperately right now.”
A man stated that he ‘couldn’t describe to someone’ on Friday why he believed he should be in the United Kingdom.
He stated, “I believe it was about feeling at home with my own people.”
One woman said, “No matter how long we are abroad, in our hearts we will always be British.”
Thursday, at the age of 96, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle; her son now reigns as King Charles III.
Thousands of British citizens braved the rain on Friday in order to pay their respects to the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London.
This evening, over 100,000 people are anticipated to line the streets outside Buckingham Palace, with lines already extending more than a kilometer to Trafalgar Square.
The sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing was officially confirmed shortly after 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, shortly after a Union flag was lowered atop Buckingham Palace.
Some members of the throng wept while others performed an impromptu performance of “God Save the Queen” along the great Mall promenade heading to the palace in honor.
John Loughrey, 67, held back tears as he exclaimed, “I cannot believe the news, I am crushed.”
‘I didn’t believe she would pass away today; I knew she was ailing, but I believed she would live for a few more months.
Her condition deteriorated after the death of her husband, Prince Philip. They were perfect matches. They were inseparable, like swans.
I met her twice and thought she was wonderful both times. The news has not yet fully registered. I am going to miss her terribly.
HOW AUSTRALIA WILL MOURN THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN
By Paul Osborne for Associated Press of Australia
FRIDAY
Following the advice of Buckingham Palace, the governor-general announced Her Majesty the Queen’s passing.
The prime minister gave a televised public declaration and suspended parliament.
* The meeting of the Queensland Parliament slated for next week will also be postponed, with other states anticipated to follow suit.
* A gun salute will be held at Parliament House in Canberra at nightfall to commemorate the passing of the Queen. It will consist of one round for every year of the Queen’s life, separated by 10 seconds.
* The governor-general will deliver a national speech at 6:55 p.m. Sydney time.
WEEKEND
* A proclamation ceremony will take place at Canberra’s Parliament House. This event is accessible to the general public, barring any public health restrictions.
* On the forecourt of Parliament House, the governor-general will read the proclamation, which will be followed by a 21-gun salute.
* There will be no official mourning period in Australia.
* The Australian flag shall remain at half-staff until the day after the funeral in the United Kingdom. There will be instructions for raising the flag for the declaration.
Friday and Saturday evenings, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated until midnight.
* Condolence books are accessible at Canberra’s Parliament House and Government House. Additionally, books of condolence will be available at each state’s Government House. The websites of the governor-general and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet also provide online condolence forms.
* Floral tributes may be left in front of Parliament House and Government House in Canberra. Each state and territory has prepared flower tribute arrangements. Instead, the royal family suggests that Australians consider making a donation to a charity of their choosing.
BEING DETERMINED
Australian officials will be present at Westminster Abbey for the funeral of the Queen.
After the return of the prime minister and the governor-general from London, a national memorial ceremony will take place.
* States and territories are permitted to conduct additional memorial services.
* The prime minister will designate a national day of mourning to coincide with the national memorial ceremony. There will be a minute of silence held.
* Following the national memorial service, motions of condolence will be presented in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on their next respective sitting days.
* The Australian Produce intends to mint new coins showing King Charles beginning in 2023, but there is currently no information on when note production will commence. However, the Reserve Bank of Australia has stated that King Charles will feature on new $5 notes, although Queen Elizabeth notes will not be pulled from circulation.