King Charlesacceded the throne one year ago, but some aspects of his reign change are still in transition.
When investitures were held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday and Wednesday,Queen Elizabeth’s name was still on the boxes that held the medals. A close look revealed that they read, “By appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” According toGert’s Royals, this is because companies can continue to use the Queen’sRoyal Warrantfor two years after her death. The prestigious business accolade is the ultimate royal stamp of approval and is synonymous with the sovereign, who grants it.
Royal Warrants date back to the 18th century, allowing companies that have provided goods or services to the Royal Household for at least five years to use the Royal Arms (the British monarch’s crest), as spotted on the boxes. King Charles, 74, has yet to issue his own Royal Warrants as monarch, and the “Her Majesty” stock will likely be used until it runs out for sustainability’s sake.
Conservative MP for Pendle, Andrew Stephenson smiles following being eing appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in an investiture at Windsor Castle on Oct. 4.ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty
ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty
However, the Royal Family debuted something new on the first day of investitures this week: insignias with Charles’ effigy.
In the caption, the King’s team added that six new medal designs will be used for the 50 different awards presented at investitures, replacing imagery of Queen Elizabeth. Charles’ mother died in September 2022 at age 96 following a record 70-year reign. The update marks the latest example of King Charles’ likeness replacing that of Queen Elizabeth, followingcoinsandstampsin the U.K.
Princess Anneheld the investiture ceremonies on Tuesday, in a duty that passed toPrince Williamon Wednesday. Investitures recognize outstanding achievement, personal bravery or services to the U.K., and the festive ceremonies are held throughout the year to celebrate those named to the New Year Honours List or the sovereign’s Birthday Honours list.
On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales, 41, presented medals with a meaningful detail on his military uniform: tworoyal cyphers. “ER” and “CR,” the royal monograms for his grandmother and his father, could be seen on the right shoulder strap of his golden braided aiguillettes.
According toHello!, the cyphers signify Prince William’s roles as an aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. The honorary positions are unpaid and awarded at the discretion of the monarch, theMinistry of Defencesaid.
While Queen Elizabeth made William anaide-de-campa decade ago, his honor from Charles is new. Though it remains unclear when the King bestowed the role, the Prince of Wales sported thedouble initialsat an investiture in May,and againat Trooping the Colour in June.
Charles and Elizabeth’s respective insignias link their first initial with the letter “R,” meaning “Rex” for King or “Regina” for Queen in Latin, plus their regnal numbers.
A closeup of Prince William’s shoulder at an investiture ceremony in May 2023.PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
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Upon the death ofQueen Elizabethlast Sept. 8, Charles immediately became King and named his eldest son William as the Prince of Wales, the traditional title for the male heir, the following day. Although the twodon’t have a traditional father-and-son relationship, they are closer than ever before.
“Talking about the future of the country and their future roles has strengthened their bond,” a source who knows both King Charles and Prince William previously told PEOPLE.
King Charles and Prince William at Royal Ascot in 2019.Anwar Hussein/WireImage
Anwar Hussein/WireImage
source: people.com
