The end of one reign and the start of another brings with it many changes. After her historical 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday (September 8).
She passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after being put under medical watch earlier the same day. Her health had been under scrutiny for a while, but just days ago the royal made her first public appearance in months when she welcomed new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The Queen's death means that next-in-line Prince Charles will now reign. He will become King and Camilla will become Queen Consort. As head of state, the Queen's face has featured in many places - from coins, to notes and stamps.
Read more: His Majesty King Charles III releases first statement since becoming Britain's monarch
So, what will happen to them now that we have a new King? Here is what will happen next...
Coins and notes
Coins featuring the new King will show him facing to the left. Elizabeth II’s effigy faces to the right. It is a tradition from the 17th century to alternate the way successive monarchs are facing. New coins and notes will need to be designed and minted or printed, but are not likely to appear in general circulation for some time.
The Royal Mint advisory committee needs to send recommendations for new coins to the Chancellor and obtain royal approval. Designs are then chosen and the final choices approved by the Chancellor and then the King.
The Queen’s coins did not appear until 1953 – the year after her accession. Elizabeth II’s coins are expected to stay in use until they are gradually replaced.
The Bank of England confirmed current notes will still be legal tender.
Governor Andrew Bailey said: “It was with profound sadness that I learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of everyone at the Bank I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to the Royal Family. For most of us, she is the only head of state we have ever known, and will be remembered as an inspirational figure for our country and the Commonwealth.”
A statement on the Bank of England website added that 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. A further announcement regarding existing Bank of England banknotes will be made once the period of mourning has been observed.
Stamps
The new King will at some stage feature on British stamps, and others around the Commonwealth. He may have already sat for such sculptures or portraits, and he will again have to approve the designs.
For her first stamps as monarch, the Queen was photographed by Dorothy Wilding three weeks after acceding to the throne and again around two months later, finally approving the image in May 1952. This portrait from 1952 was replaced in 1967 by the famous sculptured head by Arnold Machin, accompanied by the tiny cameo silhouette of the Queen.
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