Brighton man receives passport which references late Queen

Charlie Higgins, 25, from Seven Dials, Brighton, said he was left feeling quite confused after the passport arrived with a declaration referring to the late monarch, despite being issued 20 days after her death on September 8.

Mr Higgins said: “When I received it, it was still the aftermath of the Queen’s passing. I felt quite confused - you take the text and the signets for granted when it comes to documentation and references to the Queen, but of course, she is no longer with us.

“It felt strange to receive something from someone beyond the grave.”

Mr Higgin's passport repeatedly referenced 'Her Majesty', despite being issued 20 days after the Queen's death in September (Image: Charlie Higgins)

He paid tribute to the Queen and said: “She was a symbolic figure of British values and consistency.

“I’m sure other people my age would feel the same when I say that it is less impactful than older generations, but nonetheless she still was very much in all of our lives and has my respect.”

Mr Higgins, who is originally from Ascot in Berkshire, said that he attended a moment’s silence at his former home city and also got out his saxophone and played the National Anthem after her death.

He also said he thought King Charles III would do a great job as monarch.

Charlie Higgins said it was strange to receive his passport from 'beyond the grave' (Image: Charlie Higgins)

Wording and imagery on UK passports will need to be altered, along with banknotes, coins and stamps, with the National Anthem changed to “God Save The King”.

The process of transitioning documents, currency and other items that feature the Queen’s cypher or image is anticipated to take many months, if not years, to complete.

Passports that contain references to Her Majesty will remain valid for travel until they expire, usually ten years from the date of issue.

The alteration in wording will be the second change to British passports in recent years. Their colour has gone from burgundy to dark blue following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

King Charles III will be crowned in a slimmed-down ceremony at Westminster Abbey on May 6 next year. An extra bank holiday will take place two days later on May 8.