Canada launches new $20 note featuring portrait of King Charles III

Canada launches new $20 note featuring King Charles III's portrait. This is the first time in more than 70 years since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 that a new monarch has appeared on Canadian banknotes.

The note was unveiled at a Bank of Canada event on Thursday (September 3), with central bank governor Tiff Macklem calling it a "very special day."

What makes this banknote unique is its vertical design. The reverse features the French Vimy Ridge monument to commemorate Canada's role in the First World War.

New Zealand and Australia, both Commonwealth countries, have printed the king's portrait on coins, but Australia has said it will not print him on banknotes.

Australia will begin issuing a new $5 note that will pay tribute to "the culture and history of Australia's Aboriginal people", replacing the current design that features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Since Charles ascended the throne, Canada is the first Commonwealth country outside the United Kingdom to put the king's portrait on banknotes.

The Bank of Canada said the new banknotes also feature a pattern of flowers and foliage, "inspired by the King's lifelong dedication to the environment."

Liberal MP Wayne Long, secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency, said at the unveiling that the symbols on the banknotes are "a powerful reminder of who we are as a country and what we value."

The central bank added that some elements of the note were chosen in consultation with an Aboriginal advisory committee.

This is the second straight banknote issued by Canada. The first is a 10 Canadian dollar note printed with the portrait of black affirmative action advocate Viola Desmond. Its design was selected as the best banknote in the world by the International Bank Note Society in 2018.

Central Bank Governor Markham said the new $20 note will be put into circulation early next year.

Polls show many Canadians believe the country should end its formal ties with the British crown, especially in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

But as tensions between Canada and the United States rise - including the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war and President Trump's threats to make Canada the "51st state" - the royal family has seen a slight uptick in support in Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the king to preside over the opening of the Canadian Parliament in May this year. Carney said at the time that the visit "clearly demonstrated our country's sovereignty."

The King is Canada's head of state, represented locally by Governor-General Louise Arbour.