The government has announced another bank holiday to mark the coronation of King Charles III next year.
The day will be “an opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together to celebrate,” a Downing Street statement said.
It will take effect on Monday 8 May, two days after the coronation on Saturday 6 May, when Charles will be crowned alongside Queen Consort Camilla.
King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort
(Getty Images)
The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey, eight months after the monarch’s accession and the queen’s death.
The ceremony will be “rooted in long-standing traditions and competition,” but will also “reflect the role of the monarch today and look to the future,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
Charles III will be anointed with holy oil, receive the ball, coronation ring and scepter, be crowned with the crown of St. Edward and be blessed during the ceremony.
Camilla will also be anointed with holy oil and crowned, just like the Queen Mother when she was crowned Queen in 1937.
May 6th is also the birthday of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie – Charles’ grandson – who will turn four today.
The guest lists have yet to be confirmed for the spectacle, with speculation likely as to whether or not Harry and Meghan will be invited or unable to travel from California to attend.
The Queen on her coronation day in 1953
(PA wire)
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on February 6, 1952 after the death of King George VI, but her coronation did not take place until June 2, 1953.
At the Queen’s request, the coronation was televised for the first time, with an estimated 27 million people in Britain watching the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Charles III during the ceremonial procession of his mother’s coffin
(PA wire)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country. In recognition of this historic event, I am delighted to announce another bank holiday for the whole of the United Kingdom next year.
“I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay their respects to King Charles III by participating in local and national events across the country in his honour.”
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: “The coronation combines the sacred and the solemn, but it is also solemn.
“This Bank Holiday will once again give people across the UK the opportunity to come together as families and communities to welcome His Majesty to the throne as we mark this important day in our nation’s long history.”
Another report from the authority
