King's Birthday Public Holiday

On the King’s Birthday Public Holiday, Australians mark the official birthday of Charles III of the United Kingdom. 

About the King's Birthday

Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the King or Queen of the UK acting as the head of state. Formerly the Queen’s Birthday Until 2022, the holiday was known as Queen’s Birthday and dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II. After her death, King Charles III ascended to the British throne, which also made him Head of the Commonwealth and King of Australia. 

In most Australian states and territories, the King’s Birthday falls on the second Monday in June—on the same date as the United Kingdom. However, two states have decided to move the holiday to a different date to avoid clashes with other state holidays: Western Australia usually observes the holiday on the fourth Monday of September or the first Monday of October. The date is proclaimed each year by the state’s governor. Queensland celebrates King’s Birthday on the first Monday of October. 

With the holiday falling on different dates throughout the country, it must be noted that it doesn’t fall on the king’s actual birthday. Charles III was born on November 14, 1948. The official date was set to June to increase the chance of fair weather during the birthday celebrations in the United Kingdom. In the Northern Hemisphere, June is the first month of summer, and it is one of the driest and warmest months of the year in London. In Australia, on the other hand, June marks the beginning of winter and it is one of the coolest and wettest months. 

Most Australians have the day off on King’s Birthday, and since it falls on a Monday, it usually creates a long weekend. For many, it is a chance to do something with their family or to visit a sporting event. Some people take advantage of the three-day weekend to make trips to visit friends or relatives.