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The official travel documents were supplied in the name of “Her Majesty” during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years.
British passports were revived with traditional dark blue covers post-Brexit.
It is the first time since 1952 – the end of the reign of the last male monarch, Charles’ grandfather King George VI – that they have been issued under the title “His Majesty”.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the passports mark 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.”
The king however does not own a passport and doesn’t need 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.
What does the new passport say?
The first page 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 rolled out in a phased approach until all remaining stock featuring “Her Majesty” are exhausted.
It follows the approach Royal Mail is taking with stamps that have the late Queen’s picture on as the company is, at the request of the King, making sure there is no wastage.
What does this mean for passports in the late Queen’s name?
British passports issued in the name of the late Queen remain valid travel documents.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office is now known as His Majesty’s Passport Office.
Are you planning to travel in 2023?
Make sure you check your passport expiry date before booking any travel.
Renew your passport online today athttps://t.co/vb5vlKr5om#ItTakes10Weeks pic.twitter.com/jzU3TYGq8F
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 22, 2023
What do you need to renew a passport?
If you’d like to renew your adult passport, you will need to have your old passport and any passports you have from a different country.
You will need to send either a colour photocopy of each page, including any that are blank, or the physical passport if you have any passports that are from a different country.
You will also need digital or printed photos of yourself, depending on whether you apply online or via the post.
When you apply, we’ll tell you what documents you need and when and where to send them.
For more information, click on your application type at https://t.co/NWfRtZ5vRo pic.twitter.com/6hPrGJfBmo
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 28, 2023
You can find out more about renewing passports via the government website.
The Home Office said, in the first six months of 2023, more than 99% of the five million passports processed were sent out within the standard UK service of 10 weeks and the vast majority well within this timeline.
Ms Braverman still called on people to apply well in advance.
“While vast improvements have been made, I continue to urge the public to make sure they apply for passports in good time,” she said.
