New banknotes featuring the portrait of King Charles III have now entered circulation.
However, English Media reports it may take time before they are commonly seen in wallets and purses.
The King is only the second monarch to appear on these notes, with Queen Elizabeth II first featuring in 1960.
“This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time we’ve changed the sovereign on our notes,” said Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey.
“We know that cash is important for many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demand them.”
Meanwhile, shoppers can still use current circulating £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes carrying the portrait of the late Queen.
Post Office branches where the notes will be available first are at Piccadilly Plaza in Manchester, M2 1BB; Sunderland City, SR1 1RR; Portsmouth, PO1 1AB; Birmingham, B2 4AA; City of London, EC2M 5TE; Moorgate, EC2M 5TE; Broadway, SW1H 0AX; Great Massingham, PE31 6HP; Tetbury, GL8 8DB; Minchinhampton, GL6 9BN; Windsor, SL4 1AA; Houndsditch, E1 7BS; Woodstock, OX20 1SP; and Poundbury, DT1 3AZ, according to English Publication, BBC.
Where the King’s image now features
- Coins December 2022: Millions of 50p coins with the King’s image entered circulation. Other new coin designs, such as a bee on the pound coin, were introduced towards the end of 2023.
- Stamps March 2023: The first King Charles stamps were issued by Royal Mail as part of a special set. The following month, the new regular first and second-class stamps were issued, showing the King without his crown.
- Passports July 2023: British passports in the name of “His Majesty” rather than “Her Majesty” were issued.
- Official portrait January 2024: Public buildings, such as town halls and courts, were offered an official photo of the monarch, taken at Windsor Castle.
- Tudor crown February 2024: King Charles’s preferred design of crown was introduced in places such as the gov.uk website and official buildings.
- Banknotes June 2024: The Bank of England issues £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes with the King’s portrait, based on a picture taken in 2013
- Postboxes: Postboxes are only changed when they are damaged or scheduled for extensive repair, meaning there are still examples from Queen Victoria’s reign. This looks likely to be one of public symbols slower to change.
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Credit – BBC