Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invited 10 everyday Australians to travel with him to the United Kingdom for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.

In addition to invitations extended to Australia’s Heads of State, the Palace has invited 10 Australians who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, and who represent Australian culture and values. 

Among invitees are 2022 Australian of the Year recipients and community representatives who embody inclusion and the spirit of helping others.

PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE: Good morning. I want to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay my respect to elders, past, present and emerging. In particular, I wish to acknowledge Uncle Jack Charles who passed away today aged 79. A victim of the Stolen Generation. He was removed from his mum, sent to a mission in Shepparton then Brunswick and Box Hill Boys Homes where he was a victim of abuse his early life.

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will bring deep sadness to the people of the United Kingdom, to our fellow Australians and to countless admirers of Her Majesty around the world.

Amidst our grief, the people of Australia offer our gratitude for a remarkable life lived in service of faith and duty.

We recognise this will be a time of profound personal loss for the Royal Family, who are mourning a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

I want to thank all those, particularly those from the diplomatic corps, who came to participate in the commemoration, the laying of the wreaths here this morning. It says something about the way The Queen was admired around the world, not just as our Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth but for her enormous contribution over 70 years as the longest ever Sovereign of the United Kingdom and of the Commonwealth.

DAVID SPEERS, HOST: Anthony Albanese has already had a busy first 100 days as Prime Minister and later this week, he will head to London to attend the Queen’s funeral and meet the new King. He joins me now, Prime Minister, welcome to the program

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks for having me on David.

SPEERS: So, the funeral has been set for Monday 19 September. What about the national memorial service here in Australia. When will that be?

Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning to observe Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 22 September 2022.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Premiers and Chief Ministers asking they declare this day a National Public Holiday to commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service. 

HOST: Prime Minister Albanese, you have announced a public holiday to mark The Queen's death. Why was that so important to you?

NATALIE BARR, HOST: World leaders, Heads of State and dignitaries will head to London for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral next week and amongst them will be very own Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

DAVID KOCH, HOST: He's also announced a public holiday to mark the Queen's passing. It'll be held on Thursday, 22 September.

BARR: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us now from Canberra. Good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.

ALLY LANGDON, HOST: We are very pleased to say that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us now from Canberra. PM, good morning.

PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE: Good morning Ally.

LANGDON: Look, it's been a big couple of days, I think it's fair to say. Can I ask your thoughts when you saw Her Majesty's coffin leaving Balmoral?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Gareth on what is a very sad day, but also a day to celebrate what was a historic reign of 70 years and a long life well lived.

GARETH PARKER, HOST: Well said. Anthony Albanese, how did you find out the news? I'm sure there's enormous protocol around this. When did you first find out that her Majesty had passed?