In the midst of his battle against cancer, King Charles faces a startling revelation from Australia.
King Charles III has been informed of a shocking decision from Australia: his likeness will be removed from the country's $5 banknotes, marking a significant departure from tradition. This move comes as doubts loom over the monarch's planned royal tour to the nation following his cancer diagnosis.
Since 1992, the face of the late Queen Elizabeth has graced Australian $5 banknotes, but this longstanding practice is about to be disrupted.
Adding to the upheaval, the announcement follows closely on the heels of the Bank of England's revelation that the first UK banknotes featuring Charles III will be introduced on 5 June. His portrait will adorn all four denominations - £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes - in an unprecedented display of regal presence.
The redesign is intended to honor the "culture and history" of indigenous Australians, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia. This decision, made shortly after the Queen's passing, underscores Australia's commitment to acknowledging the rich heritage of its First Nations people, who have inhabited the land for over 65,000 years.
Assistant Governor Michelle urges Australians to contribute to the reimagining of the $5 banknote, encouraging submissions that reflect the nation’s diverse and storied First Nations cultures and history.
Despite his removal from banknotes, King Charles III's image will persist on coins, a decision supported by Aboriginal politicians and community leaders after consultations with the government.
The anticipated royal tour of Australia, scheduled for later this year and to be accompanied by Queen Camilla, now hangs in the balance due to the monarch's health concerns.
Plans for King Charles' visit to Australia and New Zealand in October 2024, coinciding with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, were reported last year. However, the monarch's cancer diagnosis casts a shadow over the feasibility of such a trip.
