Will Prince Charles’ Role As King Result In Changing The Crown On Passports?

Queen Elizabeth II is the reigning monarch, and she has not shown any signs that she might abdicate.

Since the 93-year-old is still the head of the state, a Queen’s crown could be seen on British passports. On the online forum site Quora, royal fans are wondering if the design of the passport will change after the Queen dies or abdicates in favor of Prince Charles.

Bradley Betts, a graduate from the University of Portsmouth, said that there is no such thing as a queen’s crown and a king’s crown. After all, the headpiece is called the St. Edward’s crown.

“The version on the passport is one used by the UK government when acting in the Queen’s name. You will note that it lacks the crest (little lion on top), mantling (cloth issuing from behind the helm), and mount (green hill the supporters are stood on)… Full armorial achievement of a member of the royal family will always contain a crown of some sort, which changes according to rank,” he said.

Andy Meeson, a former freelance lecturer, said that there has been a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to the depiction of the crown in the royal heraldry of the United Kingdom. There are different types of crowns and they are seen in different places and on different occasions.

“When Elizabeth II is succeeded (whether by Charles III or William V or George VII), the crown used in heraldry (and so on pillar boxes, stamps, passports, etc.) will remain exactly the same,” he said.

But even though the crown on British passports won’t change, the public will see some differences once Prince Charles becomes king. Graeme Hall, a former solicitor, said that the Queen’s Counsel will be called the King’s Counsel. He also said that stationery issued with Her Majesty’s signature will feature Prince Charles’ signature.

Banknotes and postage stamps will be rolled out and the next monarch, Prince Charles, will be photographed facing the opposite direction.