King Charles III presented with first UK banknotes with his portrait

Britain's King Charles III was on Tuesday presented with the first set of banknotes bearing his portrait by Bank of England representatives at Buckingham Palace in London.

The 75-year-old monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, was pictured with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier and Executive Director of Banking Sarah John.

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It is seen as a historic moment as it is the first time the Bank of England has changed the image of the British monarch on a banknote, as King Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first monarch to appear on a Bank of England note in 1960.

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The King was presented with GBP 5, 10, 20 and 50 notes, the palace said. These are the first notes which feature the image of His Majesty. The notes will go into circulation on 5th June 2024, it noted.

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The Bank of England had earlier announced that the polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and co-circulate alongside the new King Charles III notes.

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The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those that are worn out and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes.

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