National bank holiday announced for coronation of King Charles III

The holiday is intended to allow people to celebrate the coronation.

National bank holiday announced for coronation of King Charles III Getty Images

There will be a national bank holiday on May 8 next year to mark the Royal Coronation.

The coronation of King Charles III will take place two days before at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.

The bank holiday will take place across the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that it will be an opportunity for families and and communities across the country to come together to celebrate.

There had been calls from MPs for the Government to either move the early May bank holiday from May 1 to coincide with the coronation weekend or to declare an extra day off.

The late Queen’s coronation took place on June 2, 1953, 16 months after she became monarch.

Charles acceded to the throne on September 8 following the death of his mother, the country’s longest-reigning monarch.

Sunak said he is looking forward to people across the country paying tribute to the King.

“The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country,” he said.

“In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.

“I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Coronation will be an historic moment for Scotland and the Scottish Government wants to give as many people as possible the opportunity to join the celebrations.

“Scotland will want to send its best wishes to His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort.”

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