British Passports to Carry 'His Majesty' for First Time Since 1952, Signifying King Charles' Reign

History is being made as the first British passports with King Charles' name are set to be issued this week, marking a significant moment in the country's history.

The Home Office confirmed that passports will now use the wording "His Majesty," ending an era of using "Her Majesty" for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The last time "His Majesty" appeared on a passport was in the reign of King George VI, which ended in 1952.

In a gradual transition, stamps and some coins have already begun to carry the new King's head, with the process of switching to images and insignia of the new monarch emphasizing the use of existing stocks rather than an abrupt change.

The same approach will be taken with passports, with any existing supplies with "Her Majesty" being used alongside the new version.

The new passports will carry the words: "His Britannic Majesty's Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty..." The previous "Her Majesty" passports will also continue to be valid until their expiry date.

The change comes after a steady process of switching to images and insignia of the new King, with Home Secretary Suella Braverman stating that the late Queen has been a feature on British passports for 70 years.

However, the shift has not been without its challenges, with delays in issuing passports and industrial action affecting the process this year.

The Home Office reports that 99% of passports are now being issued within 10 weeks of application.

UK passports have undergone various changes since their modern form was introduced in 1915, with the first security watermark being added in 1972 and machine-readable passports introduced in 1988.

In 2020, the color of UK passports changed from burgundy to dark blue, a move that sparked debates on social media over the color of new and old passports.

The new passports are the latest stage in the transition of reigns, with the King's head already appearing on stamps and coins.

The gradual shift is expected to continue with the changing of banknotes next year.

In conclusion, the issuance of the first British passports with King Charles' name marks a significant moment in the country's history.