LONDON, England: As Britain adjusts to its first new head of state in 70 years, the government printers responsible for the nation's currency and stamps are set to begin the process of switching from using an image of the late Queen Elizabeth to the new king, Charles III.

As such, the country's coins, banknotes and stamps will bear the image of King Charles, while the new monarch's cypher will also appear on government buildings and red mail boxes, manufacturers and Buckingham Palace announced this week.

"The first coins bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation, in line with demand from banks and post offices," said Anne Jessopp, the Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Mint.

"This means the coinage of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II will co-circulate in the UK for many years to come."

The Bank of England said banknotes with a portrait of Charles were expected to enter circulation by the middle of 2024, and it would unveil images of the updated notes by the end of the year.
All existing currency and stamps bearing the queen's image will remain as legal tender.
Buckingham Palace has also unveiled the new cypher for Charles, selected by the new monarch from a series of designs prepared by the College of Arms, consists of the initials 'C' and 'R' - representing Charles's name and "Rex", the Latin for king - alongside a depiction of the crown.

"The decision to replace cyphers will be at the discretion of individual organizations, and the process will be gradual," the palace said.