King Charles Becomes First Monarch on Canadian Banknote in Over 70 Years

King Charles has made history by becoming the first monarch to feature on a Canadian banknote in over 70 years. The Bank of Canada announced that a new vertical $20 bill will be released early next year, featuring a central portrait of Charles surrounded by floral emblems and traditional maple leaves.

The note's design was a collaboration between the Bank of Canada and its Indigenous Advisory Circle, incorporating plants significant to Indigenous peoples. This marks the first time in 70 years that a new monarch has appeared on the $20 bill.

The new vertical format is a departure from the traditional horizontal design, with the $10 note featuring civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond being the only other note to feature this layout since 2018.

Interestingly, while King Charles will be featured on Canadian banknotes, he will not appear on Australian notes. Instead, Australia plans to release a new $5 banknote that pays tribute to the culture and history of Indigenous Australians.