Many aspects of life in Britain and beyond will change with the accession of Charles to the throne. It includes the national anthem, notes, coins, stamps, postboxes, and passports. The death of Queen Elizabeth II will result in changes to the names of institutions throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms. Meanwhile, the new king’s effigy and cypher will replace hers on currency and insignia.
The new monarch’s effigy will begin to appear on coins and banknotes in the United Kingdom
The Guardian says there are 4.5 billion sterling banknotes in circulation, totaling £80 billion (over $92 billion). The replacement process is expected to take about two years. When Queen Elizabeth II took the throne in 1952, it wasn’t until 1960 that her face began to appear on £1 notes.
The new monarch’s effigy will begin to appear on coins and banknotes in the United Kingdom and around the world. It will appear on several currencies, including the obverse of East Caribbean dollar coins, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Current notes will continue to be legal tender till the changes are brought about
“As the first monarch to feature on Bank of England banknotes, the Queen’s iconic portraits are synonymous with some of the most important work we do. Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender,” the Bank of England said on Thursday.
King Charles III is expected to sit for a new portrait after he takes the throne. The Royal Mint, which is in charge of manufacturing and issuing the UK’s coins, will send recommendations to the Chancellor. Thereafter, they will obtain royal approval before publishing them.
The anthem and the passports
Britain’s national anthem switches to “God Save the King”, with male-version lyrics. It may initially catch many people out as they have not been sung since 1952. It is also a national anthem in New Zealand and the royal anthem in Australia and Canada.
The wording on the inside cover of British passports will have to be updated. They are issued in the name of the crown. They read: “Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State Requests and requires in the Name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”
Prisoners initially may be relieved to learn they are no longer being detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure. However, any joy will be short-lived as they continue their jail terms at His Majesty’s pleasure instead. Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, where “The Phantom of the Opera” has been running since 1986, will revert to becoming His Majesty’s.