Australians can still expect a day off in early June for the commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's birthday. After her passing, however, a National Day of Mourning has been slated for Thursday, 22 September. Some government services and classes in schools and universities in Australia will be suspended.

Long-held tradition in Australia and the UK

The long-held birthday of the Queen will most likely stay in place, given the fact that the date has also already survived one royal succession. In 1938, the Queen’s father, King George VI, maintained that celebrations for the King’s birthday should take place in the UK in early June, despite the fact that his birthday was in December.

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The ABC reported that this is because the King wanted his subjects to enjoy the celebration during the summer months instead of near Christmas. Australia, except for WA, followed the UK’s lead. It declared the second Sunday of June as a public holiday for the King’s birthday. When Elizabeth II was crowned in 1952, she decided not to change the tradition, even with her birthday being in April.

Practical consequences of the Queen’s death

News of the Queen’s death incited emotional responses for different countries, and practical implications for others, particularly Australia. Because Australia is a constitutional monarchy, its head of state is now King Charles III, formerly Prince Charles, who will now serve as King of England.

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Currency, stamps, and passports in Australia will reflect changes to the rulership of the monarchy. These changes will flow through to the small business community in Australia, which will deal with parcels and banknotes with King Charles III’s appearance in the years to come.