The Queen's funeral confirmed to be a bank holiday in UK

A bank holiday for the day of Queen Elizabeth's state funeral has been confirmed in the UK.

After being formally proclaimed King this morning (Saturday 10 September), Charles approved a number of orders laid out by Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt, who read out several proclamations to the Privy Council.

"One: appointing the day of her Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland," Mordaunt said, adding: "Two: appointing the day of her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland."

King Charles responded: "Approved."

He then signed both proclamations.

BBC

Charles automatically became King when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on Thursday 8 September, but his role has now been officially confirmed by the Accession Council – which consists of senior government figures, the Lord Mayor of London and High Sheriffs of the City of London, Realm High Commissioners, Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State and a number of high-ranking civil servants. 

The meeting began with the Council formally declaring that the Queen had died, before it was proclaimed that Charles was now King, with those present saying together: "God save the King."

The ceremony had to be held a day later than normal practice dictates, as the announcement of the Queen’s death did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there would not have been enough time to plan the procedure for Friday morning. 

Clarence House also announced that it would mark the first time ever that the Accession Council would be broadcast on television. 

Charles was not required to attend the ceremony itself, only joining after he had officially been proclaimed monarch to hold his first Privy Council meeting - where he paid tribute to his late mother in his address.

BBC

“Her reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion," he said.

"Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.”

He continued: "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me.

"In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these Islands and of the Commonwealth Realms and Territories throughout the world."