Surrounded by the floral emblems of Canada, King Charles is officially set to replace Queen Elizabeth II on the Canadian twenty-dollar bank notes beginning early next year.
The Bank of Canada officially unveiled its new design for the $20 bill at a press conference earlier this week; the first time since 1954 that the late queen will not feature on the bank note.
In the new bank note, King Charles is depicted surrounded by the floral emblems of Canada’s provinces and territories with a window that features culturally significant plants for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said that “His Majesty’s long-standing commitment to the environment is reflected in the floral and leafy tapestry.”
On the back of the bank note, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, reflecting Canada’s sacrifice in the First World War, is depicted. Macklem said, “The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is a symbol of sacrifice. The soaring pillars and solemn sculptures honour those who gave their lives to protect freedom, peace and democracy.”
The Bank of Canada was founded in 1935 and introduced bank notes that year. Princess Elizabeth, the nine-year-old princess who was not yet heiress, was featured on the $20 bill and then replaced beginning in 1937 by her father, King George VI. It wasn’t until 1954, to coincide with her new reign, that Queen Elizabeth II was restored to the $20 bill.
Also attending the press conference were Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency Louise Arbour, and Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne.
Her Excellency said that “I am honoured to mark this historic moment on [King Charles’s] behalf, as governor general.”
“The new $20 note reflects important parts of who we are as Canadians, honouring our Commonwealth roots and our ties with international allies. It honours our constitutional traditions through the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III and recognizes the service and sacrifice of Canadians through the Vimy Memorial, a symbol that continues to resonate across generations,” said Champagne.
The monarch’s portrait is struck on all Canadian coins as well, with King Charles’s portrait already in circulation. His portrait is also on UK coins and bank notes.
The Bank of Canada revealed that the King Charles III bills will begin entering circulation beginning February 2027.
