Queen Elizabeth II dies: Book of condolence and floral tribute opens at WA’s Government House

West Australians are being invited to sign a condolence book at Government House in Perth CBD from Friday morning following the Queen’s death overnight.

Members of the public can add their name, share a story or leave a note in the book, with a selection of messages to be forwarded to the royal family.

Access to Government House and the book will be via the Ballroom gate between Perth Council House and Government House.

It will be available on Friday from 9.30 am to 7.30pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm.

The book will remain in the Government House ballroom until the end of the official mourning period when it will be bound and placed in State Archives.

Electronic condolences can also be shared at the Governor General’s website.

Government House, located on St Georges Terrace, will be under “court” mourning until September 19.

During this time all events, functions, visits and calls will be cancelled, and the house and gardens will be open only for official mourning duties.

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As the representative of the Queen in WA, Government House will accept flowers and tributes. These will be displayed in the Lady Kyle Garden between the house and St Georges Terrace.

Members of the public are invited to add to the tribute on Friday between 9.30am and 7.30pm, as well Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 6pm.

Entry is also via the ballroom gate between Perth Council House and Government House.

The national and State flags that fly above Government House will be flown at half-mast until the end of the mourning period.

They will briefly be raised to full mast on the date of the proclamation of our new King before being returned to half-mast the next day.

Government House staff will be predominately dressed in black and wearing badges as part of the official “court” mourning protocol.

Camera Icon Governor Chris Dawson and his wife Derrilyn Dawson lay wreaths following the passing of the Queen overnight. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

WA Governor Chris Dawson, who was sworn in as the monarch’s representative in July, said he was informed early on Friday morning that the Queen had passed away.

“On behalf of the people of Western Australia, I have passed on our deepest and heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, The Queen Consort and the Royal Family for her life that was lived in duty and service to Australia, the Realms and the entire Commonwealth of Nations,” Mr Dawson, the former WA Police commissioner, said.

“Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with the people of Great Britain for what is an extremely sad day that will leave many with feelings of profound sadness, loss, and grief.

“For Western Australians, this news has been received with a heavy heart. Her Majesty the Queen had a great love and affection for the people of Western Australia and visited seven times.

“The deep respect and affection for Her Majesty among Western Australians was no more evident when more than 100,000 people came to wish her well during her final visit to Western Australia in 2011 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the naming of Elizabeth Quay during the year of her Diamond Jubilee.”

Mr Dawson said today marked the end of one of history’s most enduring reigns of any monarch and the longest in British history.

“Her reign of 70 years that spanned two centuries has seen some of the most unprecedented periods of change in human history, but to which she remained a steadfast and reliable constant in our lives,” his statement continued.

“Her Majesty set the highest of standards for public life with its foundations firmly set in a dignified and unwavering commitment to her sense of duty and service to the people of Great Britain, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

“She lived up to this commitment, travelling more widely than any other Monarch and supporting over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies, and public service organisations.

Camera Icon Premier Mark McGowan lays a wreath. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

“HRH Prince William, Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, now second in line to the throne, has spoken of Her Majesty’s ‘kindness and sense of humour, her innate sense of calm and perspective, and her love of family’. She was indeed a woman who loved her family, while still leading her country and the Commonwealth.

“As Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty not only played an important symbolic and unifying role, but on her many Royal Visits and engagements, she was able to personally reinforce the links by which the Commonwealth joins people of such rich and diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

“On behalf of all Western Australians, we are unified in our sympathy and grief for the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”

The Queen visited WA seven times throughout her life, in 1954, 1963, 1977, 1981, 1988, 2000 and 2011.

“My deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and to the people of Great Britain who have lost a remarkable Sovereign,” the Governor’s statement continued.

“I conclude with a quote from Her Majesty’s last speech given at CHOGM in Perth, which is very fitting at this incredibly sad time. Her Majesty said, ‘We are all visitors to this time, this place, we are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then to return home’.

“Her Majesty, thank you for all you gave to your country, the Realms and the entire world.”