King Charles III’s Face to Grace UK Banknotes from 2024
The Bank of England has unveiled the new portrait of King Charles III that will feature on all polymer notes – £5, £10, £20, and £50 – starting mid-2024. Unlike previous designs, the King’s image will appear without a crown but with no other changes to the notes.
Historic New Look for British Cash
The portrait, based on an original 2013 photo from Buckingham Palace and updated as Charles aged, shows the King gazing slightly left, dressed in his Garter Robes. In keeping with tradition, Charles faces opposite the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose side-profile likeness looked right.
“I am very proud that the Bank is releasing the design of our new banknotes, which will carry a portrait of King Charles III,” said Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. “This is a historic moment because the King is only the second monarch to appear on our banknotes.”
Old Meets New – Both Portraits Will Circulate
The current notes featuring Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and circulate alongside the new King Charles III designs. The Bank will only print new notes to replace worn ones or meet growing demand, keeping environmental and financial impacts low as advised by the Royal Household.
From Britannia to Royal Portraits
Banknotes have carried the monarch’s image only since the 1960s. Before then, Britannia adorned Britain’s cash. The first monarch portrait was Queen Elizabeth II’s on the £1 note in 1960, followed by a ten-shilling note in 1961. Her initial depiction was formal but faced criticism for being stiff and unrealistic.
Charles’s royal visage marks a significant shift in UK currency history as it prepares for a new era under King Charles III from next year.
