Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry on Friday 29 April at Westminster Abbey, Clarence House has announced.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it would be "a happy and momentous occasion" and would be marked by a public holiday.
Mr Cameron said: "We want to mark the day as one of national celebration, a public holiday will ensure the most people possible will have a chance to celebrate on the day."
The extra holiday will fall in the same week as Easter Monday, giving millions of workers in England, Wales and Northern Irelanda three-day week.
Public holidays are devolved in Scotland and the Scottish government is yet to announce whether it will follow Westminster's lead.
Anti-monarchy group Republic said creating a bank holiday for something "most people are not interested in" was "absurd" and that an extra day off should only be for something everyone could relate to.
So back to the question, having a one off Public Holiday on Friday 29th April, therefore creating a 4 day 'May Day' weekend, a Good thing or a Bad thing ?
As long as I get paid for it, I don't care if it was two monkeys marrying
Dave_Notts
is Public Holiday, like Christmas and Boxing day rather than a Bank Holiday, which is different
Day off - nice.
Royal wedding - not interested.
I have no interest in big frocks, big jewellery or big hair. I'm not one of those who's going to spend hours discussing it with all and sundry as if to somehow connect myself to it. I'm certainly not going to waste what might be a long weekend with decent weather sitting inside and watching 2 strangers get married in front of 500 other strangers (strangers to the bride and groom mostly too). I'll be at my allotment doing something useful with the day.
I don't dislike the two people involved - how could I, we have absolutely no area of commonality. But, while I don't wish them any unhappiness, equally it's nothing to do with me.
The idea of 'celebrating with the happy couple' is ludicrous.
Seeing as the taxpayer is footing the bill for the security of the event, nice to be given something back in the form of a public holiday.
Makes no difference to me of course but if it creates a "feel good" factor and provides an opportunity for people to escape the rat race for a week, it can't be a bad thing.
Good Friday April 22nd, Easter Monday April 25th, Royal wedding day off April 29th, May day bank hol Monday 2nd May.
Bloody Hell, wait ages for a Bank Holiday then 4 come round at once !!
I hope some enterprising swingers clubs have a special do on 29th April !!
John
Of course, it's not going to be much of a joke for the small business as everyone will want to be paid by the middle of April to give them the money to spend over the festivities...