New UK banknotes with King Charles to be circulated in June

Banknotes with King Charles will enter circulation in Britain from June 5, the Bank of England said, more than a year after unveiling their design

The king’s portrait will appear on five, 10, 20 and 50 pound polymer banknotes and will be circulated alongside existing notes that feature the late Queen Elizabeth

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New polymer banknotes featuring Britain’s King Charles will enter circulation in June. Photo: Bank of England/AFP/Handout

Published: 6:38pm, 21 Feb 2024Updated: 8:12pm, 21 Feb 2024

Banknotes featuring the portrait of King Charles will enter circulation in Britain from June 5, the Bank of England said on Wednesday, more than a year after unveiling their design.

The king’s portrait will appear on five, 10, 20 and 50 pound polymer banknotes and will be circulated alongside existing notes that feature the late Queen Elizabeth.

New banknotes featuring Charles will only be printed to replace those that are worn, and to meet any overall surge in demand for notes, the BOE said.

The bank said that approach was in line with guidance from the Royal Household and aimed at minimising the environmental and financial impact of the change.

That means the new notes featuring the 75-year-old monarch, who is known for his environmental campaigning, will enter circulation “very gradually”, the BOE added.

Banknotes featuring the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth will remain legal tender, and will co-circulate alongside the King Charles notes.