A bank holiday for the funeral of the Queen on September 19 has been declared by King Charles, raising questions about how the day off will work for people across the UK.
As the country entered a period of mourning, the bank holiday remained unconfirmed. Then, on Saturday, the new monarch approved the bank holiday during the Accession Council.
The UK Government has since issued guidance about how the day will affect workers. Millions of people could be off work, but the advice warns Brits it is up to employers to give people the day off.
The Queen died on Thursday at the age of 96, ending the longest reign of a UK monarch. King Charles has announced a 17-day mourning period lasting until September 26 - seven days after the Queen's funeral on the 19th.
One of the first acts of King Charles was to declare a bank holiday on the day of the funeral.
We've summed up the major points the Government has made about the bank holiday here.
Will workers get the bank holiday off?
Like other bank holidays, the Government says employers aren't required to give the workers the day off, but the extra day could be added to people's annual leave.
The guidance says: "This is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer. There is no statutory entitlement to time off for bank holidays, but employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker's leave entitlement.
"The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers.
"However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday. We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.
Does the bank holiday apply to people in Scotland?
Yes. The bank holiday coinciding with the Queen's funeral (September 19) applies to all countries in the UK.
What if you have annual leave booked on the bank holiday? Or what if you have to work that day?
The Government deems this a "matter for discussion between you and your employer".
Will schools be closed?
Yes, the guidance confirms schools will be closed: "We are not asking them to remain open on the day of the bank holiday."
Will the coronation be a bank holiday too?
This remains unconfirmed so far and it's said a decision will be made nearer the time.
A date for the coronation hasn't been announced, but they tend to take place some time after a new monarch ascends the throne. For example, Elizabeth II became queen on February 6, 1952 when her father died, but her coronation was held almost a year and a half later on June 3, 1953.
The Telegraph reports King Charles III's coronation will likely be in spring or summer next year. The outlet says palace aides "insist" the details about the coronation aren't discussed in advance out of respect for the reigning monarch.
Find more information about the bank holiday on the Queen's funeral on the UK Government website here.
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