King Charles greets Bank of England governor for historic moment he is presented with bank notes bearing his portrait – replacing his late mother [Video]

King Charles today greeted the governor of the Bank of England for a historic meeting where he was presented with the first banknotes bearing his portrait.

The King praised the notes as ‘very well designed’ and expressed his surprise at being only the second monarch to feature. He received a leather-bound booklet containing the historic legal tender from Andrew Bailey at Buckingham Palace.

It was a milestone moment for the monarch, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer.

‘Good morning Governor. I’m sorry it’s a bit delayed this. I hope it isn’t too delayed,’ Charles said.

But Mr Bailey replied: ‘Not at all. We’re still in advance of launching them.’

Charles remarked: ‘Oh you are? Great.’

They were joined by Sarah John, the Bank of England’s Chief Cashier, whose signature appears on the currency, and the King gave a broad grin as he greeted his guests in the 1844 Room. 

Ms John told the King they were the number 1 …