ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
King Charles III has sent an informal portrait to the Royal Australian Mint, suggesting it be kept on file should there be a reversal of the decision to remove his image from the country’s $5 note.
The portrait, reportedly taken at the request of palace staff, depicts the King wearing a black Stone Island puffer jacket and a matching cap, both prominently featuring the brand’s compass patch.
While the Australian government has opted to replace the late Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with a design honouring First Nations culture, the King has indicated he remains indifferent to the decision. However, according to palace sources, he wanted to ensure that if his image were ever reconsidered, it would be one he personally endorsed.
“His Majesty doesn’t mind either way,” a palace aide said.
“But if they do change their mind, this is the portrait he’d like them to use. It took a long time to get it right, let me tell you! He wanted us to make sure we got the patches on his jacket and hat in the picture. He thought it’d be so funny to get the patch in on a country’s currency. He was chortling to himself for hours just thinking about it.”
The Royal Australian Mint has yet to comment on the submission, though there are currently no plans to reinstate the monarch’s image on the $5 note.
More to come.
