Tuesday 24 May 2022 10:28 AM Twitter users say Royal Mint's £5 coin featuring Prince William has been ... trends now
Eyebrows have been raised over a new commemorative £5 coin featuring Prince William - with royal fans claiming the image has been 'hair-brushed'.
The Prince's 40th birthday next month will be marked with a new limited edition gold coin featuring a 3D portrait of the future king.
The celebratory gold coin was created by designer and engraver Thomas T Docherty who set the Prince's portrait in his royal cypher, with his initial W, and the number 40.
It is the first time the Duke of Cambridge, who is second in line to the throne, will appear alone on an official coin struck by the Royal Mint.
But eyebrows have been raised among social media users over the portrait, with some saying the Royal Mint has been generous with the Prince's hairline.
One Twitter user wrote: 'The £5 coin to mark Prince William's 40th birthday has more hair than he does!'
Another Twitter user said: 'They must have used a very old photo for his image the coin, he hasn't had that much hair for many a year!'
Royal Mint has unveiled a new £5 coin featuring Prince William's portrait to mark the Duke of Cambridge's 40th birthday next month
The celebratory coin was created by designer and engraver Thomas T Docherty and will feature the Duke's portrait set amid his royal cypher - his initial W - and the number 40
Daily Mail political commentator Andrew Pierce, wrote: 'A £5 coin issued of #PrinceWilliam to mark his 40th is not so much airbrushed as hair brushed! Where did that that thick mane come from?'
Others compared the portrait to fictional characters, including balding antagonist Mr Burns from the Simpsons
Another compared the portrait to the Harry Potter villain Voldemort who in the film series - in which he is portrayed by Ralph Fiennes - has no hair or eyebrows.
They wrote: 'I love Prince William, but sorry, that coin looks more like Lord Voldemort before his hair loss.'
But others could barely contain their excitement about the new coin, with one Twitter user writing: 'Can’t wait to get one of these - Duke of Cambridge Prince William has his own coin.'
Meanwhile, royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun that William was likely to be 'pleased' with the coin as 'they've given him more hair'.
'He looks younger than 40 so he won't complain. He looks thoughtful but also like he's looking for inspiration, which he will need in coming decades.'
Alongside the Prince's image the coin will feature an inscription on the edge reading: 'HRH The Duke of Cambridge' and image of the Queen, designed by Jody Clark, struck on the other side.
Alongside the new £5 coin, a limited edition two-coin set will be released, featuring a 0.25oz gold celebration coin and a 1982 sovereign coin - the year the duke was born.
The collection will also include a limited edition coin made of 5oz of fine gold quality to mark the special occasion, with laser technology creating a 'high relief finish', giving William's portrait an enhanced 3D appearance.
Clare Maclennan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'The elegant design features a portrait of HRH alongside his royal cypher and the number 40, which pays homage to the maturity and grace of the prince who has become a senior member of the royal family, a devoted husband and a loving father of three, through the
