Brits will get an extra bank holiday next year to celebrate Coronation of King Charles

Time to celebrate

The UK will get an extra bank holiday next year to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles. This is excellent news for royal fans, and those who couldn't care less, as there will be three bonus days off in May next year to celebrate the King's ascension to the throne. The extra bank holiday will fall on Monday May 8th - two days after the Coronation at Westminster Abbey on the previous Saturday. [caption id="attachment_358022" align="alignnone" width="1952"] King Charles III during his first address as King following Queen Elizabeth's death. Credit: BBC[/caption] There are already two other traditional - and excepted - May bank holidays - one on the 1st and 29th off too. But PM Rishi Sunak has given the green light to have the extra day off so that people across the nation can come together to celebrate. Mr Sunak 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.” This will be the second time a history the nation a day off for a coronation. The tradition first started when Queen Elizabeth was officially crowned in 2 June 1953. Cabinet office minister Oliver Dowden added: “The Coronation combines the sacred and the solemn but it is also celebratory. [caption id="attachment_358261" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Queen Elizabeth II after her coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)[/caption] “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.” A more long-standing tradition is also expected to be observed during the King's coronation and it involves a massive stone.  The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, is going to be moved from Scotland yet again, and back to London's Westminster Abbey next May. For those who don't know, the red sandstone is a symbol of monarchy and a plays a huge part in the crowning ceremony. While its earliest origins are now unknown, one legend dates back to biblical times, claiming that it is the same stone which Jacob used as a pillow at Bethel. Legend has it that it was even touched by God. The stone doesn't just carry importance, but also a shed load of weight too - 24 stone to be exact. So, it will require experts to transport it now that the Coronation date is decided. [caption id="attachment_358246" align="alignnone" width="2048"] The Stone of Scone, also known as the Coronation Stone, set into the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey. London, England, UK. (Photo by Angelo Hornak/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]