Bob Hawke's tearful widow Blanche d'Alpuget joins thousands of Australians who have gathered to say their final goodbyes to political giant and 'larrikin' former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
More than 2,000 people crammed inside the the Sydney Opera House for the service, while thousands of others were forced to watch the televised broadcast on the steps outside.
The 90-minute state memorial service for the longest serving Labor leader was attended by every living prime minister except Julia Gillard - who is currently overseas - as well as other key figures in the late 89-year-old's life.
His widow, with whom he was married 24 years, was joined by Mr Hawke's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren inside the service.
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Bob Hawke's tearful widow Blanche d'Alpuget joins thousands of Australians who have gathered to say their final goodbyes to political giant and 'larrikin' former Prime Minister Bob Hawke
His wife, Blanche d'Alpuget (pictured right) said the final year of Mr Hawke's life was both difficult and one of the best time of their lives because of how close they were
Mr Hawke died peacefully at his Sydney home on May 16
Mr Hawke died peacefully at his Sydney home on May 16.
His former staffer and adviser Craig Emerson was MC for the day, which has been described as a festive celebration of Mr Hawke's life.
Mr Emerson said the service was 'a joyous occasion' with 'tears of joy.'
The flags above Sydney Harbour Bridge and Victorian Parliament were flown at half mast for the service.
Mr Hawke's successor and sometime rival Paul Keating offered his condolences.
Mr Hawke and Mr Keating had a long-running political feud but reunited in later years.
'When Bob invited me over to see him the better part of a year ago, he and I were again joining the circle on the great friendship and partnership that drove the longest reform period in the country's history,' Mr Keating said on Friday.
Barrie Cassidy said: 'It's a day of joy, it's a day of celebration and we've got a lot to celebrate.
Mr Hawke's successor and sometime rival Paul Keating (right) offered his condolences
His widow, with whom he was married 24 years, was joined by Mr Hawke's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren inside the service
Memorials and tributes dedicated to Mr Hawke were shared across Australia following his death
The memorial will be televised from the Opera House from 11.30am
Labor leader Anthony Albanese comforted Mr Hawke's widow Blanche during the state memorial
Actor Jack Thompson (left) arrives at the Sydney Opera House for the state funeral, as does former NSW Premiere Bob Carr (right)
'Saying farewell to Bob here at Australia's most iconic building is a tribute to him because he will be known as one of Australia's most iconic people.'
Four generations of the Hawke family attended the ceremony, along with Mr and Mrs Morrison, diplomats, the Governor General and members of the public.
The PM was the first to speak at the ceremony, where Mr Morrison paid tribute to a man 'he only knew from a distance.
'Today I come to speak on behalf of a nation Bob Hawke loved and which loved him in return,' Mr Morrison said.
'It was a passionate and affectionate relationship between Bob and the Australian people. They knew each other well.
'They forgave each others' short comings. They understood each others' virtues, there was trust, there was faith in each other.
'The 80s in Australia will always be the Hawke era,' he said.
'We thank Bob Hawke for loving Australia and loving Australians with every fibre of his being.'
The state memorial service for Mr Hawke, who died peacefully at his Sydney home on May 16, will be broadcast from 11.30am on Friday
Mr Hawke (left) and his successor had an alleged long-running feud but reunited in their later years. Mr Keating (right) is expected to speak at the late 89-year-old's memorial
Thousands of mourners braved the cold weather at Sydney Opera House
Seven Group Holdings Chairman Kerry Stokes arrived at the State Memorial Service for former prime minister Bob Hawke
His widow Blanche, daughter Sue and granddaughter Sophie also spoke at the service.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese offered a touching tribute to arguably his party's most well-loved former leader.
'How do you begin to measure a giant,' he said.
'Farewell Bob, you go with the nation's gratitude. You go with the nation's respect and you go with the nation's love.'
Kim Beazley offered the eulogy at the end of Mr Albanese's speech, offering a lighthearded suggestion that he could be referred to as 'Kimbo' after the 'very Australian' ScoMo and Albo took to the stage.
His widow Blanche, daughter Sue and granddaughter Sophie also spoke at the service
Former PM Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy arrived at the Sydney Opera House to pay their respects
The PM was the first to speak at the ceremony, where Mr Morrison paid tribute to a man 'he only knew from a distance
Ahead of the service, Mr Hawke's son Stephen said while there were many public memories of his father, to him he was simply 'my dad'.
'It's really not much more complicated than that - he was me old man,' he told ABC television.
'He wasn't the perfect father but he was very much a loving father and was loved in return by all of us.'
Memorials and tributes dedicated to Mr Hawke were shared across Australia following his death.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten and his wife Chloe arrived at the Sydney Opera House
Mr Hawke was the longest serving Labor prime minister and introduced historical reforms into parliament during his time as the nation's leader
Governor General Peter Cosgrove (left) and wife Lynne attended the ceremony, as did Senator Kristina Kenneally (right)
