Bank holiday in Jersey agreed for Queen’s funeral

Sunday 11 September 2022

A public holiday will take place on Monday 19 September to allow islanders to observe the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it has been confirmed.

States Members approved the bank holiday with 44 votes in favour, none centre and no abstentions, in a Special Sitting ahead of Charles III’s Proclamation as King in Jersey.

During his formal proclamation at St. James's Palace in London on Saturday, King Charles approved an order making Queen Elizabeth II's funeral a public holiday in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Guernsey's government confirmed shortly after on Saturday that it would be doing the same. However, in Jersey, a law allowing for any new public holiday must be drafted and approved by States Assembly before it is official.

Pictured: The Bailiff opened this morning's States Assembly sitting to proclaim Charles III as King by paying tribute to Her Majesty, and blessing His Majesty with "long happy years".

A report accompanying the draft law read: "The thoughts of Islanders are with the Royal Family and His Majesty The King at this sad time.

"Throughout her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty's diligent and dutiful public service was an inspiration to us all. Here in Jersey, La Reine, Notre Duc – the Queen, Our Duke – connected our Island to the wider British family and the Commonwealth.

"It is therefore only fitting that we emulate the arrangements across the United Kingdom to also provide a public holiday here in Jersey on the occasion of Her late Majesty's funeral."

Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore said in a speech in the States Assembly today that "islanders should be given the opportunity to watch the funeral and observe the day as they feel appropriate."

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will be taking place at 11:00 at Westminster Abbey.

The Jersey Proclamation ceremony of Charles III is continuing and you can watch it here.