Canada unveils new twenty-dollar banknote featuring portrait of King Charles

Canada has unveiled its new twenty-dollar banknote, standing out as the first Commonwealth country outside the United Kingdom to feature a portrait of King Charles III following his accession to the throne.

Introduction of the new banknote

At an event hosted by the Bank of Canada, the first new monarch to appear on Canadian banknotes in over seventy years was announced following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem announced that the vertically designed polymer banknote will enter circulation early next year.

Design details and features

The reverse side of the banknote features an image of the Vimy Ridge memorial in France to commemorate Canada's role in the First World War.

The design also includes botanical motifs inspired by the King's commitment to the environment, while certain elements were chosen in consultation with an indigenous advisory council.

Position within the Commonwealth

Canada has become the first Commonwealth country outside the United Kingdom to feature the King on its banknotes following his accession to the throne.

The new printing marks the country's second vertical banknote, following the ten-dollar banknote featuring the portrait of Viola Desmond.