PUNTERS started queuing at dawn yesterday to be the first to get their hands on new banknotes featuring the King.
Some camped overnight at the Bank of England for the fivers, tenners, £20 and £50.
By 6.30am more than 30 people — joined by The Sun — were lined up with wads of cash to exchange.
They had to go through airport-style security to be allowed into the building in the City of London.
Banknote specialist Chris Nield, 30, queued from 2pm on Wednesday to be first in line. He told The Sun: “I know it’s madness but that’s how passionate I am.
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“It’s a bit like if people queue up for an iPhone or a Harry Potter book.”
The monarch’s portrait has changed over the centuries on stamps and coins.
But Charles is only the second to appear on banknotes. His mother, Queen Elizabeth, was the first — on the £1 note in 1960.
Portraits of Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing will still feature.
The very first Charles notes will be auctioned to collectors for charity.
Others will be swapped for old notes — but only up to £300 and only for the next three days. After that, the Charles notes will be introduced only to replace old worn-out ones.
Bank Governor Andrew Bailey said: “We’re very pleased to be issuing the new King Charles banknotes.
“This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time we’ve changed the sovereign on our notes.
“We know that cash is important for many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demand them.
“Bringing these new notes into circulation is a demonstration of that commitment.”
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