Britain's King Charles III was presented with the first set of banknotes bearing his portrait by representatives from the Bank of England at Buckingham Palace in London on Tuesday.
The 75-year-old monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, was photographed alongside Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier and Executive Director of Banking Sarah John during the presentation.
This moment is considered historic as it marks the first time the Bank of England has changed the image of the British monarch on a banknote. King Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first monarch to appear on a Bank of England note in 1960.
The palace announced that King Charles III was presented with GBP 5, 10, 20, and 50 notes, which are the first to feature his image. These notes are set to enter circulation on June 5, 2024.
The Bank of England had previously stated that the polymer banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth II's portrait would remain legal tender and co-circulate alongside the new King Charles III notes. The new banknotes will be gradually introduced to replace worn-out ones and meet increased demand.
The new portrait design features the King's image on the front of the banknotes, with his cameo appearing in the see-through security window. The reverse side of the notes will remain unchanged.
The meeting at the palace on Tuesday, which was documented for release, is seen as a positive indication of King Charles III's recovery since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February. He has reduced his public engagements but was recently seen attending an Easter service at the end of last month.
As reports suggest that his treatment is progressing well, the palace is reportedly planning to schedule more public events for the King in the coming weeks.
