The cypher of King Charles III has been revealed.
It shows his initial, C, and R for Rex, the Latin for King, as well as a representation of the Crown. There is a separate cypher for Scotland, showing the Scottish Crown.
His Majesty approved the design himself. King Charles chose from a selection prepared for him by the College of Arms. The Scottish version of the cypher was overseen by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
It will be used on government buildings, state documents and on mail franked at Buckingham Palace. It will also be seen on post boxes. There is no time limit on when the cypher needs to be brought in – individual organisations can phase it in at their discretion.
The College of Arms was founded in 1484 and oversees the creation and maintenance of official registers of coats of arms and pedigrees. The College’s heralds are members of the Royal Household and act under Crown authority.
The cypher has been revealed on the 19th day of King Charles III’s reign. He ascended the throne on September 8th 2022 on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His official proclamation took place on September 10th 2022.
