Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait has featured on the nation’s banknotes and coins for over 60 years and remains on the currency of several other countries formerly under British rule.
Following the late Queen’s death, King Charles III immediately ascended the throne. The end of one reign and the start of another will bring some huge changes to the country including the portrait that will be featured on the nation’s money. The Bank of England has revealed when images of the new King will replace the late Queen’s image.
The new King’s portrait will eventually appear on the existing designs of £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes.
The Royal Mint has confirmed that coins featuring Charles’ portrait will also be co-circulated with those depicting the late Queen, in an attempt to minimize the environmental and financial impact of the change.
The current polymer series will remain present with no additional changes to the actual design, the Bank of England said.
The UK’s central bank confirmed that the updated banknotes will be revealed at the end of this year, but the currency won’t be in circulation until mid-2024.
Coins featuring the new King will show him facing to the left, while Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy faces to the right.
It is a tradition since the 17th century to alternate the way successive monarchs are facing.
Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer at the Royal Mint, said: “The first coins bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation in line with demand from banks and post offices.
“This means the coinage of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II will co-circulate in the UK for many years to come.”
Historically it has been common for coins featuring different monarchs to co-circulate as it ensures a smooth transition for members of the public.
As well as changes to the country’s currency, there will be other additional everyday changes set to impact the nation.
Stamps will also change, as the Royal Mail confirmed: “New stamps featuring King Charles will enter circulation once current stocks of stamps are exhausted”.
Existing stamps that feature the late Queen will be distributed and issued as planned, to minimize the environmental and financial impact.
Passports will also be issued in Charles’ name, with the wording in the document set to be changed at some point in the future.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office will become His Majesty’s Passport Office, as is the case with HM Armed Forces and HM Prison Service.
The new monarch will also need a new Royal Cypher, which is the monogram impressed upon royal and state documents.
The Queen’s ERII features on traditional police helmets and post boxes, but could be changed to include Charles’ cypher in the near future.
Author: Andrew Collins
andrewc@gmail.com
London, UK