In the United Kingdom, the monarch does not need a passport to travel overseas because passports are issued in his or her name. The same rules apply for driver licences, King Charles does not need one because they are issued in the name of the monarch. All other members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales are still required to have a passport when travelling internationally.
The preamble in every passport document issued in the U.K. in the future will read: “His Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”
Similarly, the wording included in passports in countries where King Charles is head of state will go through a slight change in wording for newly issued passports.
In New Zealand, the wording on passports will read:
“The Governor-General in the Realm of New Zealand requests in the Name of His Majesty the King all whom it may concern to allow the holder to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful assistance and protection.”
The death of Elizabeth II has sparked some concern as to whether documents issued in her name are valid; they are valid for travel until the expiration date on the passport.
