Coins and banknotes

The reigning monarch's face is shown on coins and banknotes, which means the U.K.'s currency is in need of a makeover. While millions of new 50-pence coins showing King Charles (facing, as per tradition, the opposite direction of the late queen) have been in circulation since the end of 2022, banknotes with the monarch's portrait will only start to appear in summer 2024. According to the Bank of England, Charles's face will be on the front and the see-through security window of four banknotes: £5, £10, £20 and £50. That being said, this doesn't mean that coins and banknotes showing Queen Elizabeth will no longer be valid. "Both versions will remain in circulation, with the older ones just gradually replaced," says Fitzwilliams. This procedure is in line with King Charles's aim to minimize the environmental and financial impact of the change. There are currently more than 4.6 billion banknotes and 29 billion coins in circulation in the U.K., according to the Royal Mint.

Military uniforms and police hats

The uniforms of the British armed forces and the helmets worn by police also feature the royal cypher. However, King Charles's low-cost approach means that no new uniforms or hats will be ordered before the old ones are worn out. This explains why not even the police staff working at King Charles's coronation wore the new reign's emblem. "It will take years until all the uniforms and hats are replaced," says Fitzwilliams.

Charity work

King Charles has established more than 20 official charities over the decades and has supported hundreds more. But now that he is king and no longer the Prince of Wales, he has to cut down on his volunteer work. "The palace is currently looking into all the links to different organizations," says Fitzwilliams. "As a monarch, Charles has less time for his charity work, and on top, there are fewer working royals who can support and represent him at charity engagements." While it is yet to be seen which charity organizations the king will let go, there is no doubt he will keep fighting for the causes closest to his heart, namely sustainability and the protection of the environment.

Environmental initiatives at the palace

Charles's efforts to tackle climate change don't end with his choice of food. The king has been known as an environmental activist for decades. "When Charles became king, he asked the staff to turn the thermostats in the royal palaces down, especially in rooms that were not being used, and stop heating the swimming pools," says Fitzwilliams. He has reportedly swapped gas lamps for electric ones at his Clarence House residence, continues to recycle the bathwater and runs his Aston Martin on sustainable fuel. "He is determined to cut down emissions and set an example on how to live more sustainably," Fitzwilliams says.