Julie Bishop pays tribute to the Queen with classy detail in her outfit

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop paid a subtle but touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II this week.

During an appearance on the Today show, the 66-year-old donned an all-black ensemble to signal she was in mourning.

She also accessorised with a pearl necklace, as the late monarch was known for her love of pearls. 

Queen Elizabeth II died last Thursday at the age of 96.

Bishop had some kind words for King Charles III during her Today show interview.

She has met the royal ‘about 16 times’ over the years during his trips to Australia, as she serves as the Australian chair of his charity The Prince’s Trust. 

Bishop described Charles as having a ‘self-deprecating’ sense of humour, before sharing an experience they had together in Vanuatu in 2018.

Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of pearls. (Pictured in April 2002)

‘I was holding a little boy who put his hand up to Prince Charles, who was holding a cup of tea at the time, and Prince Charles scooped up a little bit of tea as if he were going to feed it to the middle boy,’ she explained.

‘And I looked at Prince Charles like, what are you doing? And he said, “Come now, Julie, a silver spoon never hurt anyone”.’  

Bishop said she had come to know Charles well, especially in her role with The Prince’s Trust.

Bishop had some kind words for King Charles III during the interview. (Pictured: Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon with Ms Bishop)

‘He is extraordinarily intelligent, has a very inquiring mind and asks lots of questions, is incredibly well briefed,’ she said.

She also remarked on the King’s ‘keen and deep interest in all things Australian’, as evidenced by his schooling years in Geelong and many visits Down Under. 

Bishop said the Trust, which the then Prince of Wales established with his £7,400 ($8,600) severance pay from the Royal Navy in 1976, had helped establish 100 business ventures made by veterans.

The charity, which has branches in Canada and New Zealand as well, also helps young people and those involved with creating a sustainable future.

Bishop described King Charles III as having a ‘self-deprecating’ sense of humour, before sharing an experience they had together in Vanuatu in 2018 (pictured)