A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks a significant time in world history with a sadness that stretches to all corners of the globe.

The Queen died peacefully on Thursday 8 September 2022 at her Scottish estate at the age of 96. Her contribution to the United Kingdom, the realms and the Commonwealth has been highly regarded and respected as a much-loved sovereign.

2022 represented the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70-year reign. She is the longest reigning monarch in British history and the second longest reigning monarch in the world.

Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne on 6 February 1952 following the tragic passing of her father, King George VI. After more than a year of mourning and preparations, Her Majesty The Queen was coronated on the 2 June 1953. Dignitaries from around the world were invited to attend the ceremony, with Sir Frank Nicklin being among those from Australia. Millions more were able to view the coronation on television. With Queen Elizabeth II being the first and only coronation completely televised.

In 1954 the Queen became the first reigning monarch to visit Australia. During the 58-day tour, the royals visited 57 towns and cities between Cairns and Hobart. At the time this was the single biggest event that had been planned in Australia.

The queen visited the Sunshine Coast in 2002 to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Coolum.

King Charles III succeeds Queen Elizabeth II to the British throne.

PIX magazine. A special royal issue was released in February in honour of the Queen. The edition features a 19-page photographic article on the new queen and the royal family. Including the two special Royal portraits on pages 24 and 25 [that] can be removed for framing by unfastening the staples. State Library of New South Wales has the digital collection of Pix magazine. On display at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Royal Souvenir | A range of glass souvenir dishes were created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The version held at Bankfoot House has a Dorothy Wilding portrait of the Queen adhered to the glass. With others in the series featuring the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh or their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne. On display at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct.

Diamond Jubilee Coach Renowned Sydney coach builder W. J. Frecklington designed and built a coach for Her Majesty which was used during the Diamond Jubilee. Incorporating timber from historic vessels, buildings, and artifacts. A piece of the original Bankfoot House was offered for incorporation in the coach and installed as part of a seat.

Coronation Stool. This stool was used by Mrs. Georgina Nicklin during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. As an invited guests, Mrs. Nicklin was able to purchase her stool following the ceremony. The funds raised from the sale of these souvenirs went towards the cost of the coronation. The stool is currently on display in the Landsborough Museum Sir Frank Nicklin display.

Serviette ring, SS Strathaird In 1953, Sir Francis and Georgina Nicklin boarded the SS Strathaird bound for England. As the leader of the National Party, the Nicklin's had been invited to the Queen's coronation. During the voyage, Sir Francis was presented with this silver serviette ring after winning a competition of deck tennis. On display at the Landsborough Museum.

Brisbane Telegraph 1 July 1953. On display at the Landsborough Museum.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Royal Souvenir A range of glass souvenir dishes were created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The version held at Bankfoot House has a Dorothy Wilding portrait of the Queen adhered to the glass. With others in the series featuring the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh or their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne. On display at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct.

Australian Red Ensign and Union Jack Flags Princess Elizabeth had commenced the journey to Australia for the 1952 Royal Tour when she received the news of her father's passing. It was a further two years later that the Queen made her first tour to Australia in 1954. The Australian Red Ensign and Queen Elizabeth II Union Jack flags were used by the families of Bankfoot during the celebration of the Royal Tour. These types of flags could be seen throughout the country during the royal processions. On display at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct.

Sunshine Coast Daily article regarding the Queen’s visit to Coolum for CHOGM 2002. Sunshine Coast Heritage Library collection.

Image from the Robinson Studios album for Prince Charles and Lady Diana's visit to the Sunshine Coast in 1983. The album forms part of the Sunshine Coast Heritage Library collection.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation memorabilia forms part of the Sunshine Coast Heritage Library collection.