King Charles is set to usher in a “new era” for the UK with British passports, three years on from the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The British passport is set to change, and it’s all thanks to the monarch…
King Charles sparking ‘new era’ with passport change
The British passport is set to change to mark a new era. However, the king will have to wait until December before the actions can happen.
From December, the British passport will feature the king’s coat of arms on the front. This will replace the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coat of arms.
As well as the new emblem, the passports will feature images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes from across the four nations. These include Ben Nevis in Scotland, the Lake District in England, Three Cliffs Bay in Wales, and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
The passport will also feature increased security measures, such as holographic and translucent features.
The Home Office says it will be the “most secure passport ever produced”. They also say they will make them even harder to forge and tamper with.
New British passports
Speaking about the new passports, Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said: “The introduction of His Majesty’s arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport.”
“It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come,” he then added.
Marks a new era in the history of the British passport.
The changes between the coats of arms are very subtle. However, some notable differences include the size of the lion’s mane and a slightly different crown.
The passports were updated in 2023 to include Charles in the intro as “His Majesty”. However, the late queen’s coat of arms remained on the cover.
The Home Office has reiterated that when the new passports roll out, the old ones with the queen’s coat of arms will still be valid until their expiry.
Will the king need a passport?
No, he won’t! As king, Charles doesn’t need a passport as they are issued in the name of His Majesty. But there are still some rules in place for the monarch’s travels.
Despite being one of the most recognisable faces in the world, Charles has to undergo an identity check every time he flies out of Britain.
Other members of the royal family, including Prince William and Queen Camilla, do have passports, however.
As king, Charles also doesn’t need to have a driving licence to be able to drive in the UK! He is the only person in Britain who can legally drive without a licence because they are issued in the name of the monarch.
Read more: Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed they were pregnant at Princess Eugenie’s wedding
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