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And finally… notes from King Charles III
Banknotes featuring a portrait of King Charles III were first issued on June 5, 2024.
The King’s portrait will appear on the existing designs of all four notes (£5, £10, £20 and £50), with no other changes to the existing designs.
The polymer notes featuring the portrait of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the King Charles III notes. New banknotes will only be printed to replace worn-out ones and to respond to any overall increase in demand for banknotes. This approach is in line with Royal Household guidance to minimize the environmental and financial impact of this change, and means that the public will begin to see King Charles III’s new banknotes very gradually.
Speaking on the day of issue, the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey said: “We are delighted to be issuing the new King Charles notes. This is a historic moment, as it is the first time we have changed the sovereign on our banknotes.
“We know that cash is important to many people and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demands them. Putting these new notes into circulation is a demonstration of this commitment.”