What will King Charles IIIs Royal Cypher look like?

The EIIR royal cypher (Elizabeth II Regina) has become a staple of our everyday lives. Consequently, the nation is asking, ‘what will King Charles III’s Royal Cypher look like?’

The EIIR royal cypher adorned our postboxes, passports, official uniform for over 70 years. It even appeared on coins – including Her Majesty’s 90th and 95th Birthday £5s.

Subsequently, as we welcome our new King, we will also see his royal cypher. During the proclamation ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the 10th September 2022, it’s believed that this cypher was worn on his Majesty’s tie pin.

However, the official new royal cypher has now been revealed. As expected, it shows his Majesty’s initials, ‘CR‘ which stand for Charles Rex – the latin word for King.

The letter ‘R’ was also used as the King signed his name on the proclamation, as part of the long-standing tradition which goes back as far as Henry I in the early 12th century.

Replacing the EIIR Royal Cypher

The King’s royal cypher will eventually take over the Queen’s EIIR Royal Cypher. Significantly on government buildings, uniforms, and official documents.

The Royal Mail has confirmed “all existing post boxes [or those prepared for installation] will… also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II” (EIIR Royal Cypher).

Thereafter, stamps will be updated once Royal Mail have completed the process of creating new designs with the portrait of the King.

As for coins, circulating coinage featuring Her Majesty’s portrait continue to be legal tender. While new coins featuring the King’s portrait will be very exciting for collectors, expect them to circulate slowly.

Remember, it is tradition for the portrait of the new monarch to face in the opposite direction, so we can expect new coins featuring the King to show his portrait facing left.

Undoubtedly it will be a sought-after issue among collectors looking to preserve this historic moment for generations to come.

So, where do you think Charles III’s royal cypher should appear? What is your favourite use of the EIIR royal cypher? Let us know in the comments below.

If you’d like to find out more about what’s set to happen next to UK coins and banknotes, head over to our FAQ page here >>

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