Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at the age of 96 on Thursday.
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People in UK wonder what will happen to their passports
The monarch died peacefully at the Scottish estate
two days after undertaking her final public constitutional duty, with the appointment of the 15th prime minister of her 70-year reign.
Reuters
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has prompted many people to wonder: what happens now, legally?
In fact, there are clear rules around succession and how it plays out. Because Queen Elizabeth has lived a long time, there has been a lot of planning for the transition to the new king.
After the Queen’s death, people in the UK are wondering if their passports are still valid.
Reuters
Inside UK passports, a statement currently reads: “Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her 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.”
This prompted people to ask questions regarding the legality of the passports.
Passports will undergo certain changes
Although passports, stamps, money and other items bearing the Queen’s name or face will undergo changes in the future to recognise King Charles III, it’s likely people holding passports containing reference to the Queen will only need to update them once they have expired.
This is similar to when the UK’s new blue passports were issued – the burgundy ones are still valid, as long as they are within the expiration date.
When travelling overseas, The Queen did not require a British passport, as it was issued in her name – this will likely be the same for King Charles III.
All other members of the Royal Family will require passports.
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