King Charles confirms there will be a bank holiday on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, many wondered if there would be a bank holiday on the day of Her Majesty's funeral, to allow people around the country to pay their respects to Britain's longest reigning monarch.

• The Queen died at Balmoral age 96 on Thursday afternoon.
• The UK is currently in the second day of the ten-day period of national mourning to mark the Queen's death.
• This follows royal news that King Charles III has been officially proclaimed as King.

King Charles III was formally proclaimed as King during an Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace on the morning of Saturday, September 10. 

Addressing the nation, the new King vowed to "follow the inspiring example" set by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Britain's new King also confirmed that there would be a public holiday on the day of Her Majesty's funeral.

Will there be a bank holiday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II?

Yes, King Charles III has approved a bank holiday across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Council, spoke during the ceremony at St. James' Palace, which was televised for the first time in history, explaining that a proclamation will appoint the day of the Queen's funeral as a bank holiday.

The King then signed the proclamation, which approves the order of the bank holiday. The date of the funeral has now been confirmed as Monday, September 19 and it will take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. More details are expected to be released in the coming days.

What will the bank holiday mean?

The announcement of the bank holiday means that on the day of the Queen's funeral, schools, most businesses, and many shops will close for the day.

It is currently thought that there are plans for the Queen's coffin to process on a gun carriage to Westminster Abbey, and the military will be expected to line the streets and also join the procession on the day of the state funeral.

There are usually eight annual bank holidays for workers in England and Wales, while those in Scotland normally get nine or ten - depending on the timing of New Year and patron saint days.

There was an additional bank holiday earlier this year, with a four-day weekend from 3-5 June 2022 to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

What did King Charles III say during the proclamation?

King Charles III addressed the nation before signing the oath he declared in front of the Privy Council. He said, "The whole world sympathises with me in the irreparable loss we've all suffered. To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service."

He added that his mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, dedication, and devotion and acknowledged the great responsibilities that now lay ahead, "I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me."

He continues, "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."

Charles also paid tribute to his wife, Camilla, who is now Queen Consort, saying, "I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife."

Former Prime Ministers including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as the current Prime Minister, Liz Truss, were all in attendance at the ceremony.