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As preparations continue to move the Queen’s coffin, there is more reaction from around the world.
In Australia, former Prime Minister John Howard has claimed the Queen once drafted a statement, never published, saying she supported the decision of the Australian people should they vote for a republic.
The statement was written ahead of the country’s 1999 referendum on whether to move away from the monarchy, and the Queen’s comments were prepared in case the vote went in favor of the Yes campaign, according to Howard.
Speaking to the ABC, he summed up the message of the statement as follows: “I accept the result, I have always considered this to be a matter for the Australian people, but I will not alter my affection … although our relationship will. be different, I will always love Australia and I will want Australia to succeed.”
However, around 55% of voters opted for the status quo: rejecting the idea of becoming a republic headed by a president and cutting ties with the British Crown.
“She was pleased with the outcome,” Howard said.