King’s Official Birthday in Saint Helena and Ascension Island Date in the current year: June 17, 2024

King’s Official Birthday in Saint Helena and Ascension Island Most Commonwealth realms and British Overseas Territories celebrate the King’s Official Birthday in June. Saint Helena and Ascension Island used to be an exception, celebrating the sovereign’s official birthday on the third Monday in April (closer to the actual birthday of Queen Elizabeth II). However, the date of the holiday was eventually moved to the third Monday in June.

The official birthday of the British monarch is typically celebrated in June. This tradition was established by King Edward VII, who was born on November 9 and moved his birthday celebration to early summer in the hope of good weather.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Saint Helena and Ascension Island used to the only British overseas territory that celebrated the Queen’s actual birthday (April 21). And even there its celebration was moved to the third Monday in April in order to create a long weekend. However, in recent years the sovereign’s birthday in Saint Helena and Ascension Island has been observed on the third Monday in June.

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday, so all government offices, banks, educational establishments, and businesses are closed. The holiday is celebrated with official ceremonies, public speeches, flag hoisting, and other relevant events and activities. The Governor of Saint Helena usually hosts a garden party at Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor located a couple of miles from the capital settlement of Jamestown.

Remind me with Google Calendar

Category

Public Holidays

Country

Tags

King’s Official Birthday in Saint Helena and Ascension Island, public holiday, King’s Official Birthday, King of England