Prince William and Kate Middleton are ‘likely to volunteer’ during the Coronation bank holiday

The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to spend the Coronation bank holiday volunteering with some of the UK’s largest charities.

The senior royals will likely participate in ‘The Big Help Out’ on May 8, a nationwide day of service aiming to create both a tangible tribute to the King’s history of public service and echo his hope of creating a lasting legacy from the first crowning of a British monarch in 70 years.

William and Kate are understood to believe the day of charitable giving is a ‘fantastic’ idea, royal insiders told The Telegraph. 

The country’s biggest and best-known charities – from the NSPCC and RSPCA to the Scouts and National Trust – have also put their weight behind the effort.

Some of the UK’s biggest and best-known charities will take part in a day of volunteering for the coronation. Pictured: The Princess of Wales visits Foodshare in Windsor

Preparations are being made for the King’s coronation, which will be held in just 100 days’ time

Dozens have backed a day of volunteering on May 8, the Bank Holiday Monday of the Coronation long weekend. 

Citizens the length and breadth of the UK will be encouraged to join the work already being undertaken in their communities by a brilliant array of organisations.

The Big Help Out is being organised by several prominent public figures including Brendan Cox, widow of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox. 

Launching the initiative, Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: ‘Volunteering has always been a huge part of what makes this country great – from families looking after evacuees during the Second World War to neighbours looking out for each other during the pandemic.

‘But it’s not just in times of crisis that we step up. Volunteering is what powers our communities, from Scout leaders to football coaches, collecting the shopping for an elderly neighbour to helping out at the school fete.

‘The Big Help Out will put volunteering centre stage for a day and give people easy ways to join in.’

He added: ‘We’re delighted to be a central part of the Coronation weekend, particularly given The King and Queen Consort’s long history of support for volunteering.’

Among other supporters are the Samaritans, Guide Dogs, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Age UK, British Red Cross and the Royal Voluntary Service, all supported by the Together Coalition. 

Taster sessions will be set up across the country on May 8, with the opportunity to sign up to volunteer on a longer-term basis.

The Prince of Wales helps to sort food during a visit to Foodshare in Windsor on Thursday

Organisers hope for an ‘unprecedented’ community response. Catherine Johnstone, chief of the Royal Voluntary Service, described it as a ‘wonderful opportunity’ for people to come together.

Mr Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition, said: ‘How we mark the Coronation will reflect the kind of country we are. We hope an opportunity to volunteer will leave a long-lasting legacy in communities around the country.’

Stuart Andrew, minister for civil society, said: ‘The Big Help Out is a fitting tribute to the King’s life of public service and the Queen Consort’s long-standing support for volunteering. 

It will give individuals the chance to see the wider benefits volunteering can bring to their own wellbeing and to efforts to tackle loneliness.’

Charles will be crowned alongside Camilla on May 6. A weekend of celebrations is being organised alongside the Westminster Abbey ceremony including a concert at Windsor Castle on May 7. 

Learn more at the initiative’s website www.thebighelpout.org.uk