His Majesty was officially proclaimed King by the Council of Accession in a historic ceremony at St James’s Palace. As part of the centuries-old formality, he was asked to sign two official documents to record his agreement to the Scottish Oath, which has been taken by every king and queen of England since the accession of George I in 1714. Bank holiday approved on the day of the Queen’s funeral – latest updates The documents gave us a glimpse of the Royal Ensign Manual, which is the signature he will use as reigning monarch. It includes his name, Charles, with an R at the end. The Queen would sign any official document with Elizabeth R, the R standing for Regina, which is Latin for Queen. However, the R at the end of King Charles’ signature stands for Rex, which is Latin for King. Watch live on Sky News from 10am tomorrow as a team carries the Queen’s coffin from Balmoral to Edinburgh What will his cypher look like? During the proclamation, His Majesty also appeared to display his cypher for the first time. A Royal Cypher is a way of combining the initials and title of a monarch, and can be either stand-alone letters or strung together like a monogram. It is used on a variety of items across the country, including post boxes, stamps, uniforms, state plates and medals. King Charles was seen displaying his cypher on a tie pin during his proclamation, which featured the letters CR intertwined with a crown at the top. As the second Elizabethan era comes to an end, and the reign of King Charles ushers in the new Carolingian era, the everyday objects that feature the cypher and her portrait will have to change. The Queen had the codes EIIR or ER, standing for Elizabeth Regina, with the Roman numerals II indicating that she was the second monarch named Elizabeth. Read more: Line of succession: Who is now closest to the throne King Charles in pictures – the king’s life as he becomes monarch “My most painful duty” The proclamation ceremony, which dates back to Saxon times, saw the King pay tribute to his ‘beloved’ mother and pledge to follow her ‘inspiring example’. “It is my most painful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother, the queen,” he said. “To all of us as a family, to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother set an example of lifelong love and selfless service. “My mother’s reign was unparalleled in its duration, its devotion and its devotion. Even as we mourn, we give thanks for this most faithful life.” Read more: What we learned from King Charles’ first speech Photos show the difference between the Queen and the King
