King Charles has declared the day of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will be a bank holiday.
In a historic televised ceremony on Saturday, Charles was officially named the new head of state during a meeting of the Accession Council at St James’ Palace in London.
Privy councillors including the new Queen Consort, Camilla, the new Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Liz Truss took part in the ceremony.
Following the meeting, King Charles III addressed the Accession Council for the first time, paying tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
He said: “I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered.
“Her reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.”
Following his declaration, the new King approved an order that the day of the Queen’s funeral will be a bank holiday.
Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt said: “Drafts of two proclamations. One – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“Two – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland.
“And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.”
Charles answered: “Approved.”
The date of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is yet to be confirmed, however it is thought to take place around ten days following her death – currently expected to be Monday, September 19.
The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London.
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