How much will it cost when the UK’s monarchy is inherited by someone with a different name and gender from that of the incumbent? Tom Holdsworth, by email
Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com.
Readers reply
A crown. Graham E Johnson
A king’s ransom. Anthony Walter
A sovereign. MrCassandra
Most comments seem to be aligned with views on whether we should have a monarchy or not, which is not the question/point here. As far as I can tell, the costs would not be significant and most will be paid for by the royal family (with the exception of police security at Charles’s coronation and implementing the changes for coins, notes and stamps – the designs have already been locked down). Exchanging the image of QE2 for KC3 in embassies and other government offices will be a trivial expense. Updating legal documents will also be minimal. Given the limits of the royal prerogative, there are no laws to update. So the bottom line is that a change of monarch is an inexpensive thing to do. Slartey
Nothing wild. It’s not as if we need to remint currency; there were Victorian coins knocking about well over 40 years after [Victoria] died. Anywhere the national anthem is printed will likely have an insert rather than reprint the book. HMS, HMRC, HM Govt, etc are all initialled on official documents and other things.
Nominal costs compared with what many think. misterlister96
Far too much. Just get rid of them. IngeKersten
At least the fact “her majesty’s” and “his majesty’s” start with the same letters will make it slightly cheaper than if they started with different letters! Anything that says HMRC, HMS, etc will change meaning but won’t need to be rewritten ... anglebiscuit
