Service of Thanksgiving for the Life and Work of Queen Elizabeth II

It is a great honour, as the 27th Governor of Queensland – and the eleventh Governor to have served under Queen Elizabeth the Second’s long and glorious reign – to address the congregation today.

I thank His Grace for extending to me the invitation to speak on this occasion, to give thanks for the extraordinary life and service of our beloved monarch of 70 years.

The sorrowful news of The Queen’s passing has seen an outpouring of emotion amongst Queenslanders, who have regaled fond stories and memories of The Queen’s warmth, kindness, quick sense of humour and inspiring leadership.

A peerless exemplar of duty and service, Queen Elizabeth II was deeply loved and respected for her unwavering commitment to the Crown, the Commonwealth and to the people of Queensland.

We join with you in mourning most deeply The Queen’s passing and we give thanks for her lifelong commitment to service as our Head of State.

Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty King Charles the Third and the entire Royal Family in this time of immense grief.

The Queen’s deep interest in the wellbeing of the people of Queensland was evident not only through her eight visits to our State, but also through the countless messages of support she sent to lift spirits during difficult and challenging periods.

Our State will long bear her imprint, through many Patronage links and through our people, who I know will continue to look to her as a shining example of courage, sacrifice and selfless devotion to duty.

The Queen will be greatly missed as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

God Save The King.