Charles III: Bank of England presents notes bearing the King's portrait

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The 5 pound note bearing the portrait of King Charles III.

Photo: Bank of England / dpa

The British central bank issued banknotes with the image of the new King Charles III for the first time.

presented.

The £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes are expected to come into circulation in mid-2024, according to the Bank of England.

However, older notes bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September, will remain valid in order to minimize costs and environmental impact at the request of the palace, the statement said.

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The 5, 10, 20 and 50 pound notes bearing the image of the new king

Photo: - / AFP

Federal Reserve Chairman Andrew Bailey described the launch of the new notes as a "significant moment" as Charles was only the second monarch to be featured on British banknotes.

Unlike on coins and stamps, the 74-year-old royal is not shown in profile, but frontally, with his face turned slightly to the side.

According to the information, no changes have been made to the rest of the design of the notes.

Paper money is no longer accepted

The British central bank recently replaced the banknotes, which were previously made of paper, with resistant plastic notes.

Paper money is no longer accepted, but can still be exchanged for current notes at the central bank.

Charles has been King of Britain since the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th.

In the meantime, the coronation date has also been set: it will take place on May 6, 2023 in Westminster Abbey in London.

At the ceremony, the King will be "anointed, blessed and consecrated" by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Buckingham Palace announced in October.

"The coronation will reflect the monarch's role today and look to the future, while at the same time finding its roots in ancient traditions and splendour."

His queen wife Camilla, 75, will also be crowned, it said.

The family has double reason to celebrate on the day: the ceremony falls on the fourth birthday of Charles' grandson Archie, son of Harry and Meghan.

bam/dpa