Force lifts Operation Golden Orb leave embargo

6 April 2023

West Midlands Police has now lifted the leave embargo for the coronation of Kings Charles over the May Bank Holiday weekend in response to calls from West Midlands Police Federation.

Branch Deputy Secretary Chris James has been attending regular meetings to discuss planning for Operation Golden Orb - the national policing operation for the coronation - and one of the biggest issues for members has been the leave embargo. 

Chris said: “I have made several representations and pushed the Force to lift this as soon as possible.

“However, this has been complicated by the current change program which has caused some delays.

“The Force has now agreed to lift the leave embargo and allow any officers who are not already off to book leave in line with staffing levels.

“We understand that this is later than hoped, but we have been working with the Force to get the embargo lifted.”

King Charles will be crowned on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey in London. Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the capital for the weekend.