In the early morning of 8th September 2022, Buckingham Palace confirmed the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At the age of 96 years old, the Queen's passing marks the change in head of state for the first time in more than seven decades. 

Tributes flowed over the Australia and the broader Commonwealth, with flags flying at half mast and the observation of an official mourning period. Throughout this time, many have shared memories of encounters with the Queen during her reign. 

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort pays tribute to Her Majesty by remembering her trip to Queensland in 2002, staying in an overwater bungalow at the then Novotel Twin Waters Resort. Her Majesty was visiting the Sunshine Coast to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Hyatt Regency Coolum.

As a thank you for the hospitality shown during her stay, the Queen issued an official letter of thanks to the resort and its team with accompanying portraits of Her Majesty and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The official correspondance is currenly on display within Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort's lobby.