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Having sworn in a new government shortly before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II’s final days were a fitting representation of Her Majesty’s 70 years of dedication, courage and service to the Commonwealth.
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Just days ago, Queen Elizabeth II swore in the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss from her residence in Balmoral, marking the first time the Queen swore in a new government outside of London or Windsor.
The act is one of the greatest testaments to Her Majesty’s legacy of service, demonstrating a steadfast devotion to democracy and the Commonwealth even in her final days.
This was, however, just one act throughout a lifetime of service to the British Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945 at 18 years old as a driver and a mechanic. She received no rank at the start of her service.
The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III reflected today that Queen Elizabeth II was the first female member of the royal family to actively serve as a member of the British Armed Forces.
A groundbreaking feat.
Queen Elizabeth II then served for 70 years as the Queen of Australia, following her ascent to the throne in 1952, visiting Australia 16 times.
It has been reported that an estimated one million visitors descended on Sydney to view the Queen’s visit in 1954.
Australia’s leaders have reflected on the life and the service of Queen Elizabeth II.
“For most of the population, we’ve only ever known the Elizabethan Age. There is a real sense that this is a very significant moment,” the Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“I felt shocked this morning as well. I woke to a text message from the Prime Minister alerting me of the news, but there is just an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the life that she’s led, what she’s meant to so many people and the service she has given.
“It is hard to think of another human being who has so completely devoted themselves to others, to her country, to the commonwealth as the Queen.”
Admiration for the Queen’s 70 years of service has reverberated across Australia, not least among those in the Australian Defence Force who affirmed their allegiance upon enlistment.
Shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie said the Queen was a “woman of strength, humility and duty”.
“She was a model of leadership for millions around the world,” said Hastie. “She was our Queen. Like many Australians, I grew up conscious of her quiet presence.
“As a boy, I studied her dignity and grace. At the dinner table, my mother would urge us to eat as if Her Majesty was seated with us.
“As a man, I gladly took an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty both as a soldier and as a Parliamentarian.
“Along with many Australians, I feel great loss at her passing but also deep gratitude for the service that she gave as our Sovereign Lady. Rest In peace. May God save King Charles III.”
Amid global economic and political headwinds, Australians must strive to reflect the steadfastness shown by Queen Elizabeth II over the last 70 years.
We must each continue to dedicate ourselves to those aspects that make Australia and the Commonwealth the envy of the world. We must continue to show courage in the face of turbulence. And we must show unending service to our nation and fellow man.
The Defence Connect Team
