Bank of England unveils new King Charles III banknotes

The Bank of England has unveiled designs for banknotes featuring King Charles III, which will enter circulation by mid-2024.

Notes featuring the new monarch will be printed only to replace work banknotes or to meet any overall increase in demand, meaning those with the late Queen Elizabeth II will co-circulate with new designs. Polymer banknotes carrying a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender, and can continue to be used as normal.

King Charles III’s portrait will feature in place of Queen Elizabeth II both on the front of the banknotes and in cameo in the see-through security window. 

Although the note designs unveiled today will feature a new portrait of the monarch, the reverse side of each note remains unchanged. Therefore these notes can be checked using the same security features as existing HM Elizabeth II banknotes

Speaking ahead of the release, Governor Andrew Bailey said:

“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.”