Australia speculates over second public holiday for King’s coronation

The date has been set for the coronation of King Charles III, and now questions have been raised over whether another public holiday could be on the way.

The date of the coronation of King Charles III has been set for May 6 and already Aussies are hoping they will get a public holiday out of it.

Buckingham Palace confirmed late on Tuesday night that the new King’s coronation will take place on May 6.

When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, Australians received a special one-off public holiday to celebrate the occasion.

A possible public holiday in May is on the cards for Australians. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor / POOL / AFP

However, it was in lieu of the King’s Birthday public holiday as it was celebrated at the time.

Her father King George VI also had a devoted public holiday to celebrate his own special day.

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the matter, though it’s understood there is no plan for a coronation holiday either way yet.

The Queen’s coronation in 1953 was a public holiday in Australia. Picture: AFP

The coronation will fall on a Saturday, and will take place overnight in Australian time – so most Aussies won’t need to take a day off to watch the event.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed there won’t be a public holiday for the coronation.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Arden has already said she will not make it a public holiday. Picture: AFP

The coronation day would be the second public holiday Australians get to celebrate in honour of the British Royal Family, with the King’s Birthday holiday set to take place for the first time in 70 years, in lieu of the Queen’s birthday holiday.

It is unknown yet if the day will continue to be celebrated on the same day in each state.

Half a million Sydneysiders crowded the Harbour foreshore for the Queen’s coronation almost seventy years ago.

A fireworks display covered the sky in her honour and churches were packed with people sending well wishes to the young monarch.