King Charles’s new royal cypher has been revealed ahead of its appearance on government buildings, state documents and post boxes.
The monogram will be added to various public offices, papers, and street furniture over the coming months and years following its unveiling, which comes ahead of the royal mourning period ending.
The King travelled to Scotland soon after the late Queen‘s funeral last Monday, with the period of royal mourning lasting for seven days after the monarch’s burial.
What makes up the cypher?
The cypher, designed by the College of Arms, shows His Majesty’s initial – C – intertwined with the letter R for Rex, which is Latin for King.
III is pasted within the letter R, all in gold, to signify Charles III with the crown above the letters.
A Scottish version features the Scottish Crown, and was approved by Lord Lyon King of Arms.
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Who designed it?
It was one of several options prepared by the College of Arms, and then chosen by the King.
The College of Arms, founded in 1484, creates and maintains official registers of coats of arms and pedigrees.
The heralds that make up the college are members of the royal household and act beneath Crown authority.
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Where will it be seen?
King Charles’s monogram will be used on government buildings, state documents and some post boxes.
It will also be used by the royal household for franking mail, but the decision to change the use of cyphers from the Queen to the King will remain at the discretion of individual organisations.
The process will be a gradual one and in some instances the cyphers of previous monarchs can still be seen on public buildings and street furniture, especially post boxes.
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A Cabinet Office spokesperson said of replacing the late Queen’s cypher: “Where changes can be made easily, such as digital branding, they can be made immediately.
“Physical items such as signage or stationery will be replaced gradually over time as the need arises.”
The death of the Queen ushered in a new Carolean age, with stamps, coins, and notes among the other everyday items which will need to be changed as a result.
It will likely take several years if not decades, and may never be completed.
