King Charles Removed From Australia's New $5 Bill: Britain Reacts on Decision Not to Carry Monarch's Image

By Mary Webber First Posted: Feb 03, 2023 04:12 AM EST

King Charles III will not be featured in Australia's new $5 bill that is currently designed with a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Instead, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said the bill's new design will pay tribute to "the culture and history" of Indigenous Australians.

In a statement, the country's central bank noted that the decision of its board follows consultation with the Australian government, which supported this change, according to BBC. The statement added that the new banknote will take several years to be designed and printed.

The RBA said the current $5 banknote, which is the only bill in Australia to carry the image of a British monarch, will continue to be issued and can still be used even after the new banknote is released.

Aboriginal lawmakers and community leaders reportedly welcomed the decision. Lidia Thorpe, a Greens senator and DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman, tweeted that "this is a massive win for the grassroots, First Nations people who have been fighting" to decolonize the country.

BBC reported that First Nations people lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years before British colonization. King Charles became the British monarch after Queen Elizabeth II's death last September. The late Queen also appeared on Australia's coins.

Britain on Australia's New $5 Bill

Britain is reportedly "relaxed" on reports about King Charles not appearing on the new $5 bill, according to British high commissioner to Australia, Vicki Treadell.

Treadell said the United Kingdom was "not at all" offended by the decision, according to The Guardian. She told ABC radio that it would be up to Australia to decide "what it wants on its coins, and on its notes," adding that "you are a realm in your own right."

Treadell went on to say that Britain has its own position and own relationship with the royal family. She noted that they would not "dream of imposing or indeed having views or commenting" on what Australia "chooses to do in their own right."

Australians for Constitutional Monarchy accused the government of a "forlorn and futile attempt" to clear the way toward republicanism. A Liberal senator and staunch monarchist, Dean Smith, said the decision was "disappointing" and was a "missed opportunity."

King Charles Coronation

Buckingham Palace has revealed that King Charles' coronation will see three days of celebrations across the country in which the public will be urged to participate. The coronation is scheduled to take place on May 6.

The event will include a "Coronation Big Lunch" and "Coronation Concert." The celebrations will conclude on the extra bank holiday on Monday. In a statement, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Michelle Donelan said everyone is "invited to join in."

During the coronation event, Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, called "The King's Procession." The King and Queen Consort will then appear on Buckingham Palace's balcony to end the day's events.

Besides the royal family, Charles' coronation will also be attended by other royals from around the world. Representatives from the Houses of Parliament and key figures from Commonwealth countries are also expected to join in the event.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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