Dates announced for The Queen's stay in Australia

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

As previously announced, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Australia this Autumn.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will arrive in Canberra on Wednesday, 19th October before travelling to Perth on Wednesday 26th October for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Additionally, the Royal couple will undertake two “away days” one to Brisbane on Monday 24th October, and one to Melbourne on Wednesday 26th October.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will depart Australia on Saturday 29th October.


Background
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh came to Australia in 1954, 1963, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2002 and 2006.

Find out more about The Queen of Australia

Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh said the visit was "great news" for Queensland, where the deluge of water was followed almost immediately by destructive Cyclone Yasi.

The Queen's grandson Prince William toured disaster-affected communities in Queensland and southern Victoria, which also suffered major flooding, in March.

"I know Prince William's visit really gave people a shot in the arm after the terrible disasters that we had and I'm sure that people will feel the same when they see Queen Elizabeth here," Ms. Bligh said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard also welcomed the monarch's 10-day visit for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth on 28th to 30th October, which will also see her go to Melbourne and Canberra.

"Visits by the Queen are etched into the collective memory of the Australian people," Ms. Gillard said in a statement. "Many Australians can recall Her Majesty's previous visits as landmarks in their own lives."