King Charles had a cheeky reaction to the U.K.’s brand-new bank notes featuring his face.
This week, the 75-year-old monarch hosted a meeting at Buckingham Palace with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier Sarah John. During the get-together, His Majesty received a first glimpse of the bank notes with his portrait.
While admiring the design, he said, “Very elegant.” His Majesty is the second monarch (and the first king) to appear on the U.K. bank notes. He’s following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been featured on British bank notes since 1960.
Shortly after her death, the Bank of England announced that the king’s portrait would replace the queen’s image. King Charles’s picture will be displayed on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes, and they will begin circulation on June 5. However, existing bills featuring Queen Elizabeth will still be accepted.
At the time, Bailey released a statement about the exciting news. “I am very proud that the Bank is releasing the design of our new banknotes which will carry a portrait of King Charles III,” he said, according to People.
He continued, “This is a significant moment, as The King is only the second monarch to feature on our banknotes. People will be able to use these new notes as they start to enter circulation in 2024.”
It’s the start of a new era.
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