His Majesty The King's cypher

The cypher is the Sovereign’s monogram, consisting of the initials of the monarch’s name, Charles, and title, Rex – Latin for King, alongside a representation of the Crown.

The cypher is the personal property of The King and was selected by His Majesty from a series of designs prepared by The College of Arms.

A Scottish version of the cypher features the Scottish Crown, approved by Lord Lyon King of Arms.

The King’s cypher will appear on government buildings, state documents and on some post boxes. It is used by government departments and by the Royal Household for franking mail.

The decision to replace cyphers will be at the discretion of individual organisations, and the process will be gradual.

The College of Arms, which designed the cyphers, was founded in 1484 and is responsible for creating and maintaining official registers of coats of arms and pedigrees. The heralds who make up the College are members of the Royal Household, and act under Crown authority.