How UK Post Boxes, Money & Stamps Will Change for King Charles III
After a period of national mourning and the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, a monumental moment in British history, it is time for things to get back to normal in the UK. But ‘normal’ is set to look a little different in the future.
As King Charles III leads us into a new era, the Carolean Era, we can expect a number of changes in the United Kingdom, with the symbols, traditions, and iconic portraits we have become accustomed to over the past 70 years set to change as part of the Monarchy rebrand.
What will Great Britain look like under the reign of King Charles III? Here is what you need to know:
UK Post Boxes
It is not just our iconic red pillar post boxes that will change to reflect our new monarch; all official UK postboxes will change eventually, but not quite yet. According to the Royal Mail, all existing post boxes with the Queen’s EIIR cypher will remain unchanged, as will those already in production or prepared for installation. Only new post boxes commissioned after the Queen Elizabeth II’s death will bear King Charles’s royal cypher CIIIR, representing Charles III Rex.
UK Stamps
It is not just our post boxes that will change; our stamps will change, too, with the Royal Mail confirming that it will consult Buckingham Palace about replacing Queen Elizabeth’s profile with that of King Charles on all new stamps. However, existing stamps will remain valid until January 2023, so we won’t see King Charles on our letters and packages anytime soon.
UK Money
There are over 4.5 billion banknotes and 29 million coins in circulation in the UK, and every one of them bears a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. That’s a lot of money to change! While the Royal Mint hasn’t confirmed when it will start making coins and notes with the portrait of King Charles III, it will likely happen in the near future. But worry not, The Bank of England will give us plenty of notice of any change, and the face of our dear Queen will be around for some time, yet.
The UK’s flags, prayers, passports, and Royal Warrants will also change in the coming weeks and months, so we have much to get used to in life with our new King, but they do say a change is as good as a rest, and who knows, it might be just what we need!
Further information can be found at:
