Calls on Australians to set a new bank holiday in May for Charles’ coronation, and one prime minister said he would ‘consider’
- The coronation of King Carlos III will be held on May 6
- Mark McGowan says WA can be given a public holiday
Australians could get an extra public holiday to mark King Charles III’s coronation after Western Australia flagged a possible day off for the historic event.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King’s coronation will take place at London’s Westminster Abbey on May 6, eight months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has revealed that his state may have a public holiday.
We will consider it in the future. It will certainly be a historic occasion,’ he said on Sunday.
The federal government has not yet disclosed whether there will be a Coronation Day public holiday, but a spokesman said the Albanian government has not ruled it out.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles’ coronation will take place at London’s Westminster Abbey on May 6, eight months after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
No other state or territorial leader has referred to the occasion or hinted at a holiday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the coronation of King Charles.
Mr McGowan confirmed that WA Governor Chris Dawson would also be attending the event.
Like Australia, New Zealand and Canada do not have plans in place for a national holiday.
Brits have been given an extra bank holiday on May 8.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the additional bank holiday, such as the holiday marking Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, would be an opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together.
“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 of the UK next year.
“I hope to see people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Carlos III by participating in local and national events across the country in his honor.”
Prime Minister Mark McGowan (pictured) said he was considering giving Western Australians the day off to mark the historic event.
Australians enjoyed a public holiday for the late queen’s coronation ceremony (pictured) in June 1953.
A public holiday would have precedent in Australia.
When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953, Australians were given a unique special holiday.
More than 500,000 Sydneysiders packed the harbor beach to mark the grand occasion, held 16 months after she became head of the monarchy, the start of a seven-decade reign.
Australians had a day off for the Queen’s memorial service, called the National Day of Mourning, on September 22 last year.
Albanese wrote to inform state and territory leaders of the decision to make the day a single public holiday.
