# Do Britons (and I assume Canadians, Australians, etc.) All Have To Get New Passports Now? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 9, 2022, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269 "2022-09-09T14:21:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/21 "2022-09-10T10:23:35Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > I read somewhere that as of Thursday, nine out of ten people alive had only known a world with Elizabeth. That is one of the most startling stats that I’ve heard on the subject. I wonder what proportion of that 90% would recognise her? I did a quick google but the lists I found of “most famous” or “most recognisable” were, frankly, dogshit. “the Rock” as most famous person anyone? A list with Selina Gomez but no QEII? (I wasn’t even sure who Selina Gomez is, I’d have guessed actress or singer but a guess would be all it was) ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/22 "2022-09-10T11:25:51Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > > [@Sunspace](#): > > > > read somewhere that as of Thursday, nine out of ten people alive had only known a world with Elizabeth. > > That is one of the most startling stats that I’ve heard on the subject. Well, her reign was 70 years. There are certainly many people still with us who were born before she was Queen, but probably very few who were old enough to have actually been acquainted with the reign of George VI. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/23 "2022-09-10T11:29:22Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Well, her reign was 70 years. There are certainly many people still with us who were born before she was Queen, but probably very few who were old enough to have actually been acquainted with the reign of George VI. Oh I don’t doubt it and a fag-packet calculation bears it out but I hadn’t heard it put in that way and I find it quite profound. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/24 "2022-09-10T11:33:57Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > I find it quite profound. Also profound is Prime Minister Trudeau’s remark – in his emotional tribute to the Queen – that her reign spanned nearly half the history of our country. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/25 "2022-09-10T11:37:21Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > > > > [@Sunspace](#): > > > > > > read somewhere that as of Thursday, nine out of ten people alive had only known a world with Elizabeth. > > > > That is one of the most startling stats that I’ve heard on the subject. > > Well, her reign was 70 years. There are certainly many people still with us who were born before she was Queen, but probably very few who were old enough to have actually been acquainted with the reign of George VI. Of course there are two factors here. The obvious one is only a fraction of all people live past 70. Or 75 if you want to talk about people who might have been old enough at QEII’s elevation to remember a time before her reign. Using the current US mortality tables as a crude proxy for the world’s experience, about 78% of births make it to age 70 and 70% make it to age 75. The much larger factor has been the tremendous growth in world population during her reign. For round numbers there are 3x as many people today as there was in 1952. So there’s only about 1/3rd as many e.g. 5yos in 1952 to remember the pre-Elizabeth era now than there are 5-yos alive now to remember the pre-Charles era when it too eventually ends. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/26 "2022-09-10T11:37:37Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Also profound is Prime Minister Trudeau’s remark – in his emotional tribute to the Queen – that her reign spanned nearly half the history of our country. That was nicely put I thought. There’s no doubt that she was highly regarded and fondly remembered by lofty figures past and present. She was certainly seen as more than just a ceremonial figurehead and that wasn’t merely down to longevity either. Perhaps the epitome of “soft power” in action. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/27 "2022-09-10T11:59:42Z")
Enough people had this question that the [New Zealand passport website](https://www.passports.govt.nz/) now states that “New Zealand passports are still valid following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.” ---
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/28 "2022-09-10T12:19:51Z")
KCs are reported to be dreading questions as to where their ‘Sunshine Band’ has gone. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/29 "2022-09-10T12:56:16Z")
I find these Commonwealth passports rather poetic. “In the name of Her/His Majesty” and “requests and requires.” Mine references the “Secretary of State.” I’m honestly not even sure who that was when mine was issued. Hillary Clinton maybe? ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/30 "2022-09-10T13:37:32Z")
> [@md-2000](#): > > It was mentioned on our news that the name of Court of Queens Bench and lawyers with “Queen’s Counsel” designation would have to make changes, among other things. Here’s the public announcement on this topic from the Saskatchewan government: > [@](#): > > # Public Notice: Effects of Succession on Saskatchewan Courts > > Released on September 8, 2022 > > Upon the recent passing of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and the succession of His Majesty, King Charles III, questions may be asked about the effect on the terminology used in the courts and the legal profession which refer to the monarch. > > Please take notice that, in accordance with _The Queen’s Bench Act, 1998_ and _The Legislation Act_: > > 1. The name of the Court of Queen’s Bench changes automatically upon the succession of the King. It is now the Court of King’s Bench, and should be referred to by that name henceforth. > > 2. Pleadings and legal documents which have been filed with the Court under the name of “Queen’s Bench” continue to be valid. There is no need to amend or re-file the documents. Henceforth, the term “King’s Bench” should be used in all pleadings and legal documents. > > 3. The term “Queen’s Counsel” changes automatically to “King’s Counsel,” and the abbreviation “K.C” replaces “Q.C.” The succession does not affect existing appointments as Queen’s Counsel or seniority at the bar. There is no need for existing patents of appointment to be re-issued. There is no change to the French abbreviation - the title “conseiller du roi” remains correct, as does the abbreviation “c.r.” > **[Public Notice: Effects of Succession on Saskatchewan Courts | News and Media...](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2022/september/08/public-notice--effects-of-succession-on-saskatchewan-courts)** > > Upon the recent passing of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and the succession of His Majesty, King Charles III, questions may be asked about the effect on the terminology used in the courts and the legal profession which refer to the monarch. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/31 "2022-09-10T13:50:17Z")
And nearly a third of that of the United States. One can be indulgent in speeches. Of course our country is older than its Confederation and Canadians have been hewers of wood for many hundreds of years ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/32 "2022-09-10T13:58:26Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Also profound is Prime Minister Trudeau’s remark – in his emotional tribute to the Queen – that her reign spanned nearly half the history of our country. We listened to the PM’s remarks. Mrs Piper said: “He really means it. He’s not using his fake voice.” ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/33 "2022-09-10T14:06:08Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > We listened to the PM’s remarks. Mrs Piper said: “He really means it. He’s not using his fake voice.” 😁 And that’s got to be a heck of an effort for any politician! ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/34 "2022-09-10T14:32:59Z")
The big problem I’m seeing with this transition is that if the Sex Pistols re-release their [timeless classic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8fLOJswWtk), > God Save the King > the fascist regime doesn’t rhyme. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/35 "2022-09-10T15:27:45Z")
Quite a few in fact: [Category:Queen Victoria post boxes in the United Kingdom - Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Queen_Victoria_post_boxes_in_the_United_Kingdom) ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/36 "2022-09-10T15:32:43Z")
The USSR dissolved in December of 1991, but Soviet passports continued to be valid until their individual expiration dates (despite the issuing country having expired). Some former Soviet republics even kept issuing Soviet passports for a few years while they designed their own. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2022, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/37 "2022-09-10T16:06:30Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > I read on the Dope that some U.K. professionals are already ordering new stationery that references “His Majesty The King” because of the new reality over there. Do you all need to get new passports and driver’s licenses and all that? No. All that stuff remains the same. From a legal point of view, the sovereign is always the same person - it’s like a corporation. The specific human occupying the office isn’t relevant. ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2022, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/38 "2022-09-11T04:23:35Z")
I posted this on Facebook yesterday, as some people were worried (I know) that their cash would instantly become worthless. > **[Redeeming Old Banknotes](https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/australias-banknotes/redeeming-old-banknotes/)** > > Information about redeeming old banknotes. TL:DR - **All** Australian currency from the last century is still legal tender, including the pre-decimal stuff and all of the withdrawn values. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2022, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/39 "2022-09-11T04:36:56Z")
> [@Shakester](#): > > TL:DR - **All** Australian currency from the last century is still legal tender, including the pre-decimal stuff and all of the withdrawn values. I don’t know about Australia in particular, but if older versions of banknotes do cease to become valid (which does sometimes happen, if not in this case), it is usually still possible to exchange them at a bank. It may just be inconvenient to do it. ---
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2022, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269/40 "2022-09-11T04:53:48Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > With the latest one on the Canadian $20, I call it “The Angry Queen”. She looks quite irate! Yes, over the years she has morphed into what I call “the dumpy old Queen”, no disrespect intended. I appreciate the ongoing effort to produce a realistic contemporary portrait. I hope they put Chuck on the $20, or at least someone other than a used politician like our other bills had. > [@FinsToTheLeft](#): > > 1970 kid here, George was not uncommon but Edward was a rarety. More amazing to me at the time, that those coins were barely recognizable, almost all the features worn away. > [@Sunspace](#): > > and I ended up reading about that statue of King Edward VII in Queen’s Park…) Ah yes, I remember in the day the vandals of Orientation Week at U of Toronto delighted in painting Eddy’s horse’s genitalia bright pink. (It was not a gelding) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-britons-and-i-assume-canadians-australians-etc-all-have-to-get-new-passports-now/971269.md?page=3)