U.K. to Celebrate King Charles' Coronation with Bank Holiday in May, PM Rishi Sunak Announces
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The U.K. will be celebrating King Charles III's upcoming coronation with a bank holiday.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Sunday that the holiday will be on Monday, May 8, 2023, concluding a three-day weekend that begins with a crowning ceremony for the new monarch, 73, at London's Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.
"The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country," he said. "In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year."
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"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 honor," added Sunak, 42, whom the King appointed last month after choosing him to replace former PM Liz Truss.
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Sunak became the U.K.'s first British Asian premier in October with the historic appointment.
Buckingham Palace announced the date of King Charles' coronation last month after The Mail on Sunday reported that he is departing from tradition with a scaled-back ceremony consisting of an hour-long ceremony before 2,000 guests.
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Part of a monarchy tradition, the King's late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was also honored with a bank holiday following her coronation on June 2, 1953. Many thought Charles would choose the same date as a tribute.
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King Charles immediately succeeded his mother after she died at age 96 on Sept. 8. Her death followed her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, who died at age 99 in June 2021.
