Millions of Australians will enjoy a long weekend this Monday, celebrating the King’s Birthday. However, this public holiday is somewhat confusing, as it doesn’t align with King Charles III’s actual birthday, nor is it observed uniformly across the nation.
On June 9, the King’s Birthday holiday will be recognised in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. Residents of these states will get a day off work, if their employers permit it. In contrast, those in Queensland and Western Australia will have to wait; Queensland celebrates the King’s Birthday on October 6, while Western Australia observes it on September 29.
Interestingly, certain local government areas in Western Australia, such as Karratha and Port Hedland, will celebrate the holiday earlier on August 4. This aligns with formal practices of scheduling holidays to coincide with significant regional events or dates.
Many may wonder if the King’s Birthday holiday corresponds with King Charles III’s actual birthday, which falls on November 14. In the UK, the official birthday of the reigning sovereign varies, but is typically observed in June, with this year’s celebrations scheduled for June 14.
The mismatch between the King’s birthday and the public holiday in Australia can be traced back to the tradition established with King Charles II in the 17th century, when the Sovereign’s Official Birthday was associated with a military parade known as Trooping the Colour. This practice has continued over the centuries, solidifying the connection between the official celebrations and the timing of the parade.
Despite the historical ties to the UK, Australia’s recognition of the King’s Birthday reflects the fact that Charles III is also the King of Australia, serving as head of state in this specific role, separate from his position as the UK monarch. While some might suggest referring to him as Charles I in Australia, given this unique status, Australian tradition generally holds onto British conventions in terms of royal references.
Overall, the upcoming King’s Birthday holiday presents an opportunity for many Australians to enjoy an extended break, albeit with varying dates and some confusion surrounding the true significance of the day.