Brits can look forward to an extra bank holiday next year when Charles III is crowned king at Westminster Abbey.
Charles’ coronation is set to take place on Saturday, May 6, in London - eight months after his ascension to the throne following the death of the Queen.
As a result a bank holiday is set to be held across the UK on Monday, May 8, it has been confirmed, ending weeks of speculation.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the day off will be an “opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together to celebrate”.
He 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."
The announcement comes after calls by Tory MPs for the Government to either move the early May bank holiday to coincide with the coronation weekend or to declare an extra day off.
The 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."
Earlier Keir Starmer's spokesman had backed the idea of a bank holiday.
He said: "I think that would be a good way for the country to be able to celebrate the coronation.
"Obviously it's all a conversation to happen between the Government and the Palace as to what would be appropriate but moving the May bank holiday forward or back... to that weekend would be a good idea."
Next year’s coronation is set to be slimmed down compared to the Queen’s in the 1950s, with 6,000 guests and ancient traditions axed and the four-hour service cut down to an hour.
King Charles reportedly wants to set the tone for a modernised monarchy while retaining an element of the grandeur and tradition that captivated the world during the late Queen's lying-in-state and funeral last month.
The plans will differ from Queen Elizabeth II's three-hour Coronation service which was televised for the very first time and watched by millions.
For the late Queen's coronation in 1953, around 8,000 people packed into Westminster Abbey for the ceremony.
The Abbey has held 38 coronations dating back to William the Conqueror on December 25, 1066.
