The bank holiday confirmation came when the King approved an order during a meeting of the Accession Council where he was formally declared head of state.

Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt MP, said:

“Drafts of two proclamations. One – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Two – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland.

“And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.”

Charles answered: “Approved.”

The funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey in central London.