Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022
National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty the Queen
The Australian War Memorial will be open to visitors next Thursday 22 September. All visitors require a free ticket to enter the Memorial’s Galleries or attend the Last Post Ceremony.
Capacity is limited. Please book your ticket in advance to guarantee entry. Session times and online booking is available at www.awm.gov.au/visit
One minute’s silence will be observed at 11am, throughout our galleries.
A princess at war
In 1947, on her 21st birthday, Queen Elizabeth II, pledged to devote her life, whether it be long or short, to the service of her people. Read the full story of A princess at war.
Remembering the Queen
Her Majesty The Queen acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952 when she was 25 years old.
In February 1954, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia.
During the eight week Royal Tour of Australia, the Queen and Prince Philip visited the Australian War Memorial.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia on 16 occasions returning to the Memorial many times.
We have brought together a selection of images from Her Majesty’s many visits.
(1/10) Her Majesty the Queen accompanied by Dr C E W (Charles) Bean, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Australian War Memorial, passes along the ranks of the relatives of deceased ex-servicemen and women, after her visit to the Hall of Memory. 16 February 1954
(2/10)The arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness the Duke of Edinburgh visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, ACT. 16 February 1954
(3/10) The arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness the Duke of Edinburgh visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, ACT. 16 February 1954
(4/10) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II plants a tree at the Australian War Memorial on February 16, 1954. Picture: National Archives of Australia
(5/10) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness the Duke of Edinburgh return to their waiting car after their visit to the Australian War Memorial.16 February 1954
(6/10) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visiting the Memorial during their Royal Tour of Australia. 7 March 1977.
Pictured with General Sir Thomas Daly, chair of the Australian War Memorial's Council.
(7/10) The Queen visits the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial with Prime Minister John Howard in March 2000. PAIU2000/026.19
(8/10) The Queen officially reopened the Hall of Memory following it's restoration in March 2000. PAIU2000/027.17
(9/10) The Queen, standing with Major General Steve Gower AO AO (Mil) (Ret'd) Director Australian War Memorial, looks at a photograph (042411) of herself taken at the Memorial in February 1954 accompanied by Dr C E W Bean. PAIU2011/102.12
(10/10) The Queen visited the Australian War Memorial on 25 October 2011, where she visited the Roll of Honour and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. PAIU2011/104.04
Royal Tour of Australia
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Memorial as part of her inaugural tour of Australia and laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance. This video shows Dr C E W (Charles) Bean escorting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh around the Commemorative Area.
Video excerpt from F10060
Memorial Illuminated
Each evening from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th of June, between 5:30 - 11:30pm, The Australian War Memorial was illuminated in royal purple to mark the Platinum Jubilee year, the 70th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne.
Photograph taken by Andy Heaney
Photograph taken by Andy Heaney
Photograph taken by Andy Heaney
Photograph taken by Marcus Fillinger Order reference AWM2022.4.58.3
contact: esales@awm.gov.auesales@awm.gov.au
Visits to the Memorial
1954: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Memorial as part of her inaugural tour of Australia and laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance.
1963: During the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s second visit to the Memorial, the chairman, Sir Edmund Herring, was presented with a signed portrait photograph.
1970: The Queen with Prince Philip and Princess Anne attended the Australian War Memorial’s Anzac Day ceremony in 1970. After the ceremony, the Royal party visited the Memorial’s new galleries and met Australian Victoria Cross recipients.
1977: The Queen and Prince Philip laid a wreath on the main commemorative stone and spent time talking to some of the thousands of Australians who were there to see them.
1982: The Queen and Prince Philip laid a wreath, and visited the Introductory Gallery before signing the visitors’ book and greeting a crowd of several thousand people.
2000: The Queen visited the Memorial on 27 March. Accompanied by Prince Phillip, she officially reopened the Hall of Memory following completion of a $1.2 million restoration.
2011: The Queen visited the Australian War Memorial, touring the Hall of Memory and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Queen and conflict
During her 70 year reign, and throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen has lived through war and conflict. Starting with her service in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, she has spoken with troops from D-Day to today. This section of images highlights the role the Queen has played throughout Australia’s military service.
(1/8) Princess Elizabeth, a 2nd Subaltern in the ATS standing in front of an ambulance. © IWM TR 2832
(2/8) Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Princess Elizabeth surrounded by men of No. 622 Squadron RAF during a visit to their base. An unidentified Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Flight Sergeant is standing in the left foreground.
(3/8) Queen Elizabeth II presenting the Victoria Cross to Warrant Officer Simpson VC during an investiture ceremony at Government House, Sydney, NSW. April 1970.
(4/8) Queen Elizabeth II, with the Duke of Edinburgh, join the crew of the Battle class destroyer HMAS Anzac for a ship's photograph. 1954.
(5/8) Outdoor portrait of Queen Elizabeth II talking with Mr Bernard Sydney Gordon VC, MM. 1954
(6/8) King George VI takes the salute during Britain's parade of Allied Forces to celebrate the victory won in 1945. Also on the dais at the saluting base are Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. London, England. 8 June 1946.
(7/8) Queen Elizabeth II greeting men at a Returned Servicemen and Servicewomen's rally at the Melbourne Cricket ground. Captain Vivian Bullwinkel stands at the rear, far right. 25 February 1954
(8/8) Warrant Office 2 Keith Payne receives the Victoria Cross from Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal yacht Britannia. 13 April 1970
The Royal Family's Platinum Jubilee website
Learn about Her Majesty's life and reign, the history of Royal Jubilees and more as we celebrate 70 years of service to the UK and Commonwealth.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Australia will join other Commonwealth countries to mark this significant occasion.
There will be many events and activities celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Australia and across the Commonwealth.