King Charles was handed the first banknotes featuring his face by Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England.
The King applauded these notes as "very well designed" and was surprised to be only the second monarch to feature on them. The historic legal tender, in a leather-bound booklet, was received from Andrew Bailey at Buckingham Palace.
For the monarch who is currently receiving treatment for an undisclosed cancer, seeing his image on the new polymer notes marks a key moment, especially since he embarked on his reign just over 18 months ago. Charles had a look at the four £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes each the first low-numbered note of their denomination brandishing the serial numbers 01 000001 and reacted positively as Mr Bailey showed him both sides of the notes.
Sarah John, Chief Cashier of the Bank of England whose signature is on the currency, was also present. The King greeted his guests with a wide smile in the 1844 Room. Only the second British monarch to grace the Bank of England's notes - it is also the first time one sovereign's image has been replaced by another.
Even though banknotes were issued as far back as the late 17th century, the honour was only afforded to Charles's mother, Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 with a £1 paper note. Prior to this, only Britannia appeared on notes. Mr Bailey, as he was about to present the new currency, said: "We have come to present you with your bank notes."
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This elicited a chuckle from Charles, who quipped in response: "Oh right." Mr Bailey explained the significance of the moment: "This is quite a big moment because we've never changed the sovereign on the bank notes because the Queen was the first sovereign to be on the bank notes."
To which Charles expressed his surprise: "This is what is so surprising. You would think that it goes back." The King then examined the new notes, commending the detailed security measures designed to thwart counterfeiting efforts: "A lot trouble taken in on the security side."
He also complimented their design: "They're very well designed I must say,". The updated currency will start circulating from June 5, featuring Charles's portrait prominently on the front and also in the transparent security window, visible from both sides.
The reverse side will continue to showcase the familiar historical figures Sir Winston Churchill on the £5, Jane Austen on the £10, JMW Turner on the £20, and Alan Turing on the £50. Charles showed particular appreciation for the artwork, remarking on the £5 note: "It's a very good photograph of Sir Winston."
He also showed a fondness for the designs on the £20 and £50 notes, commenting: "They're very elegant these ones, I must say,". Notes bearing the late Queen Elizabeth II's image will remain legal tender, allowing for a period where both her and King Charles III's notes will be in use together.
In a bid to reduce both environmental and financial impacts of change, any additional notes will only be printed as replacements for ones that have worn out or to meet any potential increase in demand, complying with a directive from the Royal Household.
Apologising for the delayed gathering following his reduction of activities due to a cancer diagnosis, the King addressed Mr Bailey: "Good morning Governor. I'm sorry it's a bit delayed this. I hope it isn't too delayed,". Mr Bailey reassured him, stating: "Not at all. We're still in advance of launching them." Expressing surprise, Charles replied: "Oh you are? Great."
Ms John informed the monarch that they were the number 1 notes and would be seen by the general public from the beginning of June. Curiously, the King responded: "I wondered how it would come out."
This Tuesday held both joyous and painful memories for the King, marking his and Queen's 19th wedding anniversary, the tragic third year remembrance of his father, Prince Philip's passing, along with being the 22nd commemoration of his grandmother's funeral, the Queen Mother.
Camilla, who has gained praise for keeping the monarchy intact during such trying times and even earned herself the tag "saviour", has been the true rock behind the scenes while the King and the Princess of Wales undergo their own battles against cancer.
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The 9th of April, 2005 marked the confidential marriage ceremony of Charles and Camilla at Windsor's Guildhall, followed by a more public blessing at St George's Chapel. Their wedding was delayed by a day when it coincided with Pope John Paul II's funeral in Vatican City, which Charles had to attend on behalf of his mother.
Much has evolved since Charles tied the knot with his long-term sweetheart. Camilla was held responsible for the collapse of his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, and she faced severe backlash when their affair was exposed.
Over the years, she gradually assumed a more significant role within the Royal family, even accompanying Queen Elizabeth II in her Diamond Jubilee carriage procession. She was crowned Queen Camilla alongside the King at last year's coronation.
Charles, aged 75, made a rare public appearance on Easter Sunday, attending church with the Queen and greeting throngs of admirers.
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