Downing Street has indicated that "all options" are being considered regarding a potential bank holiday to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort. The historic event is scheduled for Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey.
Some MPs have proposed either moving the existing May bank holiday from 1 May to 8 May or creating an additional public holiday to allow for a long weekend of celebrations. Labour has backed the idea of shifting the early May bank holiday to coincide with the coronation, with a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer stating it "would certainly be a good way for the country to celebrate the coronation".
A No 10 spokesperson confirmed the government is "carefully considering all plans", adding: "Obviously this will be a historic event. All options remain on the table." The coronation will be the first in the UK for almost 70 years, following the late Queen Elizabeth II's crowning in June 1953. It will also be the first coronation held on a Saturday since Edward VII in 1902.
King Charles became monarch immediately upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but the coronation serves as a symbolic celebration of his reign. Camilla will also be crowned during the service in a simpler but similar ceremony.
