King Charles III Makes Historic Debut on New $20 Banknote
The Bank of Canada has unveiled its new $20 banknote, which features King Charles III on the face, marking the first change of monarch on the denomination in over 70 years. The note is scheduled to enter circulation gradually in late February 2027.
The design combines elements of the monarchy, Canadian natural environment, and Indigenous perspectives. The portrait of King Charles III is surrounded by a tapestry of flowers and foliage inspired by his environmental conservation interests, including the official floral emblems of Canada's 10 provinces and three territories.
A circular transparent window visible from both sides incorporates plants with cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This feature introduces another layer of symbolism to the note. The back of the banknote retains the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, surrounded by maple leaves, poppies, and other botanical imagery.
The new $20 banknote also continues the vertical format introduced with the Viola Desmond $10 banknote. This is only the second Canadian denomination designed primarily in a vertical orientation, signaling that the Bank is carrying this concept forward as it develops the next generation of Canadian banknotes.