Queen Elizabeth II was Australia's longest-serving head of state, having ascended to the throne on 6 February 1952. During her 70-year reign, Australia had 16 prime ministers. For most Australians, 'the Queen' is the only head of state they have ever known.
Australia was one of the first countries the Queen visited after her coronation. The 1954 royal tour – the first by a reigning monarch – is still remembered for its grace and scale. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh criss-crossed the country, visiting over 70 Australian towns and cities in two months. An estimated 75% of Australia's then 9 million people turned out to welcome her. For many, catching even a fleeting glimpse was often enough to cement a lifelong affection.
The Queen's relevance in Australia was reinforced in many ways. Reminders of her role and status were everywhere during the 1950s and 1960s. The iconic 'Wattle portrait' of the Queen hung in government offices, schools and community halls. The royal cypher was emblazoned on post boxes, while government letters were sent 'O.H.M.S.' (On Her Majesty's Service). New citizens, military personnel and public servants swore allegiance to her. School students went further, pledging weekly to both serve the Queen and 'cheerfully obey' their parents, teachers and the law! A now bygone practice, cinema goers even stood to attention as 'God Save the Queen' was played before the movies began.
Regal images, symbols and rituals were also reminders of the imperial ties which closely linked Australia and Britain for decades. Yet, as Australia evolved politically, socially and economically, the relationship between 'Queen and country' changed too. The Queen and her role began to fade into the background in the more confident and independently minded Australia of the 1970s and 1980s. This was despite her having been officially rebranded as the 'Queen of Australia'.
Royal tours became less frequent and more informal. These later visits demonstrated continued public respect and affection for the Queen personally. Yet many now question the Crown's relevance to Australia's future. The 'Dismissal' in 1975 even raised questions about its legitimacy. However, the push to transform Australia into a republic fell short in the 1999 referendum. Only time will tell whether former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's assessment that Australians were 'more Elizabethans than monarchists' is correct.
