The Museum of Australian Democracy joins Australia in paying respects to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, who sadly died today, 9 September.
The longest reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth witnessed many changes in the Australian federal parliament and Australian society as a whole. Ascending the throne in 1952, she worked with sixteen Governors-General from Sir William McKell to Sir David Hurley and Australian prime ministers from Sir Robert Menzies to Anthony Albanese.
Reflecting on her reign, Andrew Harper, Acting Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy, said: “As an integral part of Australia’s constitutional monarchy, the Queen has been a stabilising force in Australia’s democracy – a constant. Many Australians have never experienced any other monarch, and her death will be felt profoundly.”
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- Canberrans share recollections of meeting the Queen
- ACT politicians offer condolences on the Queen’s death
The Royal family has had a close and historic association with Old Parliament House. A bronze statue of the Queen’s grandfather, George V, graces King’s Hall, the central meeting place in the building. The statue is a favourite with visitors who are keen to capture a photograph with the King. The Queen’s father, the Duke of York (later George VI), unveiled the statue when he opened Old Parliament House in 1927.
The Queen herself visited Old Parliament House for ceremonial and social events on nine occasions during Royal Tours in 1954, 1963, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1986. King’s Hall was the centrepiece for receptions, ceremonies, speeches, and balls. The south wing of Old Parliament House played host to luncheons and dinners, with the Members’ Dining Rooms transformed into a grand Banquet Hall.
“On three occasions, the Queen opened parliament from the Senate Chamber,” Mr Harper explained. “It would always be packed. Members of the House of Representatives would cross King’s Hall to squeeze into the Senate Chamber, sharing bench seats with the Senators. The public and press galleries would also be packed solid with many craning over to catch a good view of the Queen.”
Visitors can record their memories and messages in a commemorative book in King’s Hall or inside the exhibition, Happy and Glorious, a tribute to the Queen’s visit to open the 20th Parliament in 1954.
The Museum of Australian Democracy celebrates the spirit of Australian democracy and the power of your voice within it. Open 9am to 5pm daily. For more information, visit http://www.moadoph.gov.au.
Read more:
- ‘Tremendous sense of occasion’ as MoAD reopens with Democracy DNA (28 April)
- MoAD at Old Parliament House to reopen after fire (17 March)
- Keeping democracy strong in the age of COVID-19 (15 September 2021)
- Museum celebrates Day of Democracy (15 September 2021)
