In Belgium, in recognition of the centenary of the start of World War I, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove laid commemorative crosses inscribed with messages from Australian schoolchildren on the graves of Australian soldiers, and later visited the Plugstreet 14-18 Experience First World War interpretation centre at Ploegsteert, and the In Flanders Field Museum at Ieper.

On Sunday 27 July 2014, in Brussels, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove were welcomed to Belgium by the Chargé d'Affaires, Ms Nicola Gordon-Smith and Australian Embassy staff, to commence an official visit in recognition of the centenary of the start of World War 1.

At Harelbeke, Polygon Wood cemetery and Tyne Cot cemetery, in Belgium, in recognition of the centenary of the start of World War I, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove laid commemorative crosses inscribed with messages from Australian schoolchildren, on the graves of Australian soldiers.

At Menin Gate, Belgium, in recognition of the centenary of the start of World War I, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the President of the Last Post Association, Mr Benoit Mottrie, attended a Last Post ceremony, at which the Governor-General recited the Ode and, together with Lady Cosgrove, laid a wreath.

On Saturday 26 July 2014, at Eindhoven Air Force Base, the Netherlands, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove led Australia’s representation at a repatriation ceremony of victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Afterwards, at Brisbane International Airport, the Governor-General was represented at the arrival in Australia of the President of the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency the Honourable Baron Divavesi Waqa MP, by Commander Peter Tedman DSM OAM ADC RAN, Honorary Aide-de-Camp.

On Friday 25 July 2014, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) spoke with bereaved families affected by Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Afterwards, at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove laid a floral tribute at the departure terminal in memory of victims of MH17.

Later, in Hilversum, the Governor-General, as guest of Australian Federal Police Chief Scientist, Dr Simon Walsh, met Australians involved in the MH17 Disaster Victim Identification process.

At Amsterdam Airport, Schiphol, the Netherlands, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, representing all Australians, laid a wreath at a makeshift memorial for the victims of the MH17 air disaster.

On Thursday 24 July 2014, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) spoke with bereaved families affected by Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Afterwards, in The Hague, the Governor-General received the Ambassador to the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr Neil Mules AO.

Later, at the Binnenhof, the Governor-General met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr Mark Rutte.

At The Hague in the Netherlands, the Governor-General met with His Excellency Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

On Wednesday 23 July 2014, following the departure from Australia of the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), the Proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia was signed by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR.

Afterwards, at Eindhoven Air Force Base, The Netherlands, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.