Brits to get extra bank holiday next year for King Charles’ coronation

We've got some good news for you, as it's been confirmed that the UK is to get an extra bank holiday in 2023.

Yes, in May next year thousands of workers and students can enjoy a lively three-day weekend to make the coronation of King Charles III.

The ceremony is set to take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, and to mark the occasion, the government has announced that Monday 8 May is an official bank holiday.

Of course, not everyone will get an extra day off work as it'll depend on what your employer decides to do.

But even if you don't, your boss might include it as an extra day on your annual leave entitlement.

Similarly to the bank holiday introduced for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, the government suggested it will be an opportunity for Brits to celebrate the occasion.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country.

"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."

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Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden added: "The Coronation combines the sacred and the solemn but it is also celebratory.

"This bank holiday will once again give people across the United Kingdom 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."

Alongside the crowning of Charles, his wife Camilla will be inaugurated as the UK Queen Consort.

Although the monarch became King as soon as the Queen passed away on 8 September, he hasn't officially had his coronation yet.

The reason for this is it often takes place 'some months' after accession, 'following a period of mourning and as a result of the enormous amount of preparation required to organise the ceremony', according to the official royal family website.

Many people will be pleased about the news of the additional bank holiday, especially as Downing Street previously considered moving the date of the early May Day to the ceremony weekend instead.

Commenting on the King's coronation last month, the prime minister's official spokesperson said: "Obviously, this will be a historic event. We are carefully considering our plans.

"All options remain on the table."

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The ceremony for the Queen fell on 2 June 1953 and was three hours long, though it is thought Charles' coronation will be much shorter, with some suggesting it will last for around one hour.

For the last 900 years, these events have been held at Westminster Abbey. Charles' is set to be the first held on a Saturday since Edward VII in 1902.