South Australians are being encouraged to leave their porch light on this evening to honour the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who died overnight.

It comes as Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the proclamation of the accession of King Charles will be held on the steps of Parliament House at 2pm on Sunday.

The public is invited and public transport will be free of charge.

The Premier visited Government House today, where he and the Governor wrote and signed messages in a condolences book which will be sealed and delivered to Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II was the first reigning monarch to visit South Australia and visited seven times during her 70 years on the throne.

The premier said turning porch lights on is a simple way for South Australians to show their appreciation for the queen’s service.

“Tonight, we’re encouraging South Australians to put on their porch light in recognition of the light that the Queen provided to all of us throughout the state and around the world,” the premier said.

“We know that everyone in South Australia has a special place in their heart for the queen’s service.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas and the Honourable Frances Adamson QC have written their condolences after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at Government House. @indaily pic.twitter.com/tGz2ODfLu1

— Jason Katsaras (@jason_katsaras) September 9, 2022

“The crown represents a lot of values that remain as powerful today as they ever had, during a period of unprecedented change, during a period of instability, the crown through her majesty has provided an absolute steadfastness to ensure that the commonwealth resolve towards democracy remains true.”

South Australians also have the opportunity to pay their respects and write condolence messages to the royal family at Government House which will be open daily for the coming fortnight.

The Premier and his wife Annabel West also laid a wreath at the life-size bronze statue of the Queen at Government House, which is being marked with a growing number of floral tributes.

Earlier, a specially commissioned hatchment was hung outside the gates to Government House in acknowledgement of her passing.

The hatchment placed at the gates of Parliament House, marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

In an earlier statement, the Premier expressed his “sincere condolences” to the royal family on behalf of South Australians.

“The thoughts of South Australians are with the members of the Royal Family as they mourn such a significant loss,” the statement read.

“The queen was the first ruling monarch of Australia to visit our shores and Her Majesty’s great fondness and interest in the welfare of South Australians was evident through her seven visits to our state during her reign.”

The Parliament of South Australia extends its sympathies to the royal family following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. pic.twitter.com/lI2AtvmwJ4

— @LegCouncilSA (@legcouncilsa) September 9, 2022

A number of observances have been announced including a special Choral Evensong at St Peter’s Cathedral at 6pm tonight, which will commemorate the life, work and witness of Queen Elizabeth II.

An official State Church Service will be held in the coming days, with the exact date to be announced to accommodate proceedings in the UK.

On Tuesday, the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and other Members of Parliament will deliver messages of condolence in Parliament before Parliament is suspended for the 14-day observance period.

Condolence books are also available for the public to write in at the Playford Civic Centre, Adelaide Town Hall and State Electoral Offices, as well as online.

As a sign of mourning, the Australian National Flag and all other flags at government buildings and are being flown at half-mast.

The state’s landmarks will be lit in white for the 14 day observance period, including Adelaide Oval, the Riverbank Footbridge, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Railway Station, Parliament House and Adelaide Town Hall.