The first British passports bearing the title “His Majesty” will start being rolled out this week – but the King himself won’t get one.
The official travel documents, which were revived with traditional dark blue covers after Brexit, were supplied in the name of “Her Majesty” for more than 70 years during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
It is the first time since 1952 – the end of the reign of the last male monarch, the King’s grandfather King George VI – that they have been issued under the title “His Majesty”.
The King, however, does not own a passport or require one when he travels overseas.
He did as the Prince of Wales, but as sovereign he no longer needs one, because British passports are issued in the monarch’s name.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman described it as a “new era in history”, adding: “For 70 years, Her Majesty has appeared on British passports and many of us will not remember a time when she did not feature.
“Today marks a significant moment in UK history as the first British passports since 1952 start featuring the title of His Majesty, the King.”
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The first page of the passport contains a representation of the Royal Arms and will now 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.”
The new passports will be introduced in a phased approach until all remaining stock featuring “Her Majesty” are exhausted.
It follows the approach of Royal Mail, whose stamps bearing the image of the late Queen will be used up over time – at the request of the King, who wanted to ensure there was no wastage.
British passports issued in the name of the late Queen remain valid travel documents.
