Country removes Queen Elizabeth from money in latest Commonwealth row

Belize has made the historic move of replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II with its own “national heroes” on banknotes, celebrating figures central to the nation’s independence.

The late George Price, pivotal in leading Belize to independence in 1981, and Philip Goldson, an anti-colonial activist and politician, are set to be on the currency.

Prime Minister Dr John Briceno said: “I know some people will say, ‘We don’t have the Queen’. Well, the Queen is dead and that has nothing to do with the Belize dollar.

“It is based on our economy and the amount of US reserves, that is not the pound, that is the US dollar. It is a beautiful note.

“We have been using our two national heroes, George Price and Philip Goldson, and we have them in different denominations… it is something that Belizeans will accept, and it is our people on our note.”

At the unveiling event on Thursday, Dr Briceno described the updated notes as a tribute to “honour Belize’s cultural heritage and the transformative impact our national heroes have had on our country”.

Despite gaining independence four decades ago and still acknowledging King Charles as head of state, Belize could soon transition to a republic.

Kareem Michael, Governor of the Belize Central Bank, added: “Belize will be joining a growing list of Commonwealth countries that once featured Queen Elizabeth II on their money but no longer do today.”

This move follows Australia’s decision in 2023 to remove the British monarch from its banknotes, replacing the image with an indigenous design on its $5 note instead of featuring King Charles.

Jamaica, another Commonwealth realm, removed the British sovereign from its currency in 1969 but has yet to hold a referendum on becoming a republic.

Following the Queen’s passing, Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, said some people in the region felt it was time to move away from the British sovereign and instead feature local landmarks and heroes on their currency.

The most recent Royal visit to Belize was in 2022 when the Prince and Princess of Wales (then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) were forced to cancel one of their engagements due to protests.

During their subsequent visit to Jamaica, the Royal couple was informed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness that his country was “moving on” from the British monarchy.

In contrast, Canada and New Zealand have announced plans to feature an image of the King on new banknotes when they are issued.