With the passing of the beloved Queen of England, the world has not only lost a national symbol, but a literal one as well. Her image is depicted on every banknote, coin, and uniform across most of the United Kingdom. And now that King Charles III is the reigning monarch, a shift has begun to depict his image in her place. We will see here what will change and how in the rebranding of the Crown.
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The Monarch’s Signature
Queen Elizabeth II officially signed her name as “Elizabeth R,” with the R standing for Regina, Latin for Queen. King Charles III will also sign an R at the end of his name. However, it will not stand for Regina but Rex, Latin for King.
British Banknotes
There are over 80 billion pounds of banknotes in circulation with the Queen’s face on them. They will eventually be replaced with ones representing King Charles III, but it will be a slow process, taking at least a few years.
British coins
It has not been stated when the Royal Mint will begin issuing coins with King Charles III’s image on them. As for now, the Queen’s image will remain on the British coins, with their replacement being a gradual one over many years.
King Charles III facing left
When King Charles III does appear on the coin, his image will be facing to the left, the opposite of the Queen’s position. Traditionally, new monarch’s faces must alternate positions on new coins. Here is shown a coin minted for then Prince Charles’ 50th birthday.
British Stamps
The Royal Mail has offered silhouette portraits of Queen Elizabeth II since 1967 and provided a special edition for her 90th birthday, among other occasions of hers. As of now, the Royal Mail will stop printing stamps of the Queen, although they can still be used for mailing. King Charles III will soon have his own featured Royal Mail stamp.
British Postboxes
The United Kingdom has around 115,000 postboxes, with approximately 60% embossed with the EIIR mark of Queen Elizabeth, E standing for Elizabeth, and R for Regina, meaning queen in Latin. In Scotland, the postboxes are embossed with the Scottish crown. Any new postboxes installed outside of Scotland in the United Kingdom will be embossed with the cipher of King Charles III.
The British Royal Warrants
The Royal Warrants consist of the Monarch’s coat of arms and are associated with businesses that have an association in supplying the royal household. Over 600 Royal Warrants will expire in the Queen’s passing, with only two years to stop using the image of her Majesty’s approval of the brand.
A badge of honor
The businesses do have the opportunity to renew their Royal Warrants, as some go back decades, to the time of the Queen’s father, King George VI. And these businesses carry great pride in carrying the warrant, it’s a badge of honor to have the association with the Monarchs. Such as Heinz, who has been supplying the Royal Households since 1951.
King Charles III’s Royal Warrants
King Charles III has been issuing Royal Warrants as Prince of Wales for years. These warrants will remain intact as they go with the household, not the title. He is also expected to grant his son, William Prince of Wales, the ability to issue his own Royal Warrants.
His Majesty’s Passport
For the past seventy years, all British passports have been issued in the name of “Her Majesty.” While these passports will still be valid for travel, new passports issued during the reign of King Charles III will be issued under “His Majesty.” The Passport Office will also change its name to “His Majesty’s Passport Office.”
The British National Anthem
The words of the National Anthem will be sung, for the first time since 1952, as “Send him victorious, happy and glorious.” As well, the words will now be proclaimed “God Save the King,” which might take some getting used to among the British people.
British Police Uniforms
British police uniforms are adorned with the Queen’s royal cipher on their helmets in England and Wales. This will be updated to the King’s cipher.
British Flags
Many British flags contain the marking of EIIR, meaning Elizabeth II Regina. This will need to as well be updated to CIIIR, which will stand for Charles III Rex or King Charles III.
British Law
In British criminal law, any R representing the Crown will now stand for Rex, not Regina. Any appointments by the Monarch of Senior Barristers will also be made to the King’s Counsel (KC), not the Queen’s Counsel (QC).
British Military Uniforms and Medals
Any military uniforms with the Queen’s cipher will be updated over time with the King’s cipher. As well, any medals featuring the Queen’s image will be replaced with that of King Charles III.
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