By By Muminat Ajide
In a historic transition, the United Kingdom has begun issuing banknotes featuring the portrait of King Charles III, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II marking a departure from the longstanding tradition of featuring the Late Queen Elizabeth II.
The rollout, which commenced on June 5, 2024, sees the introduction of King Charles III notes alongside the existing Queen Elizabeth II banknotes, which remain legal tender.
The new banknotes, available in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50, maintain the familiar design elements with the sole alteration being the portrayal of King Charles III. Despite this significant change, the Bank of England assures the public that there are no other alterations to the existing designs.
In line with guidance from the Royal Household, the issuance of new banknotes will primarily serve to replace worn or damaged currency, minimizing both environmental and financial impact. This measured approach ensures that the transition to King Charles III banknotes accommodates any increase in demand for currency while upholding the integrity of the nation’s monetary system.
As the UK embraces this historic transition, both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III banknotes will co-circulate
