Bank of England unveils first look at new King Charles banknotes and fans are all saying the same thing

The Bank of England has just released images of the new banknotes that feature King Charles III, the new monarch.

• Following Her Majesty's death in September 2022, there are some key changes have been made in the UK.
• A major change following the death of the former monarch is to the currency in the UK, which will now feature a King rather than a Queen.
• In other royal news, How to watch King Charles’ Christmas speech 2022 as he prepares to make his first festive address as monarch.

There are some of the key things that will change following Queen Elizabeth II's death. One of these key changes is the change to the UK currency that is used in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

The new notes featuring King Charles III's likeness are expected to enter circulation by mid-2024. In an environmental choice by the Royal Family, it has been decided that the polymer banknotes featuring the Queen will remain legal tender - which the public can continue to use as normal. New notes with the King's portrait will only be printed to replace worn banknotes and to meet any increase in demand for banknotes across the UK. 

This means people will be able to use notes with the former Queen and the current King simultaneously. 

Governor Andrew Bailey said ahead of the release, "I am very proud that the Bank is releasing the design of our new banknotes which will carry a portrait of King Charles III. 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."

The Bank of England stated that there will be 'no other changes to the existing design,' meaning the notes will still feature other important figures on the back of the note. For example, the £5 note will still feature Winston Churchill, the £10 note will show Jane Austen, the £20 note will show JMW Turner, and the £50 note will feature Alan Turing.

Fans have been shocked by the new notes and many have agreed that they find it unusual to see a new monarch on the currency. As many people have only seen notes with the Queen's face on it, this is a big adjustment for some. 

"This is just so weird for the pound note not to have QEII's head on it. So strange," said one person on Twitter.

"It is going to be weird getting used to a new monarch on the money, but oh well. We shall in time. I think for some of us, we didn't imagine the queen's passing after such a long reign," said another.

"They look good but it’s going to be really odd when one day the Queen isn’t on money or stamps," said another.

Others were in denial about this change, "WEIRD. MONEY HAS THE QUEEN ON IT. THAT'S HOW IT IS," said one gobsmacked Twitter user.