King's Birthday Weekend
Friday, 30th May 2025 at 10:05am
Enjoy your long weekend!
Fun facts: King’s Birthday is not celebrated on the king’s actual birthday. King Charles III was born on November 14, 1948.
As England is in the Northern Hemisphere, and June is the first month of their summer - usually one of the driest and warmest months of the year in London - the official date was set to June to increase the chance of nice weather during the King's birthday celebrations.
The Sovereign’s Birthday Observance Act of 1952 stipulates that New Zealand (in the Southern Hemisphere) must celebrate the King's birthday on the same date as England - although the weather here is usually wet, due to the beginning of our winter season!
Until 2022, the first Monday in June was known as Queen’s Birthday and dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II. Following her passing, King Charles III ascended to the British throne, which also made him Head of the Commonwealth and, therefore, King of New Zealand. Soon after, the holiday was officially renamed King’s Birthday.
