King Charles has revealed his new signature – and what appears to be his royal cypher – for the first time since becoming monarch.
His Majesty was officially proclaimed King by the Accession Council in a historic ceremony at St James’ Palace.
As part of the centuries-old formality, he was required to sign two official documents to record his agreement to the Scottish Oath, which has been taken by every King and Queen of England since George I’s accession in 1714.
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The documents allowed us to get a glimpse of his Royal Sign Manual, which is the signature he will use as reigning monarch.
It features his name, Charles, with an R added on the end.
The Queen would sign any official paper with Elizabeth R, with the R standing for Regina, which is Latin for Queen.
However, the R at the end of King Charles’s signature stands for Rex, which is Latin for King.
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What will his cypher look like?
During the proclamation, His Majesty also appeared to display his cypher for the first time.
The Royal Cypher is a way of combining a monarch’s initials and title, and can be either standalone letters or entwined like a monogram.
It is used on a variety of items across the country, including postboxes, stamps, uniforms, government signage and medals.
King Charles appeared to showcase his cypher on a tie pin during his proclamation, which featured the letters CR intertwined with a crown on top.
As the second Elizabethan era comes to an end, and the reign of King Charles ushers in the new Carolean age, everyday objects featuring her cypher and her portrait will have to change.
The Queen had the cyphers EIIR or ER, which stood for Elizabeth Regina, with the Roman numerals II referring to her being the second monarch named Elizabeth.
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‘My most sorrowful duty’
The proclamation ceremony, which dates back to Saxon times, saw the King pay tribute to his “beloved” mother and pledge to follow her “inspiring example”
“It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother, the Queen,” he said.
“To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.
“My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.”
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