Does Prince William’s Monogram Contain a Mistake About His Royal Status?

The Prince of Wales was photographed on the train to Wales with a binder featuring his monogram, which might be in need of an update

Prince William attends the Government of Canada ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024. PHOTO: JORDAN PETTITT – POOL/GETTY

Prince William’s royal status has changed since his father, King Charles, acceded to the throne, but his monogram has stayed the same.

The Prince of Wales, 41, headed to Wales on June 11 to learn more about seaweed innovation, traveling to Cardiff by train. In a photo shared on social media, William looks out the window during his journey with his phone and a red binder featuring his royal monogram, a “W” topped by a coronet, on the table in front of him.

However, Prince William’s royal cypher has not been updated to reflect his new status as heir apparent. Gert’s Royals points out that William’s symbol, which he routinely uses on stationary and other official documents, still features the coronet of a child of the Prince of Wales.

Before King Charles, 75, named Prince William and Kate Middleton as the new Prince and Princess of Wales one day after Queen Elizabeth’s death in Sept. 2022, the monarch held the title of the Prince of Wales as heir. In fact, Charles was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history due to his mother’s historic 70-year reign.

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Although Prince William’s monogram has yet to be updated, King Charles debuted his new royal cypher just weeks after his accession. The monogram shows the crown above his first initial “C” intertwined with an “R” for rex (Latin for king, traditionally used for the monarch dating back to the 12th century), with “III” inside the “R.” The King’s monogram, which he chose from several created by the palace’s heraldry experts at the College of Arms, gradually replaced Queen Elizabeth’s “ERII” insignia on state documents, mail, post boxes, uniforms, government buildings and more.

Queen Camilla unveiled her new cypher as queen consort in Nov. 2022, incorporating her first initial, “C” with an “R” for regina — Latin for “queen.”

King Charles’ cypher on a tunic during the service of thanksgiving in Scotland on July 5, 2023.ANDY BUCHANAN – WPA POOL/GETTY

While Princess Kate, 42, remains out of the public eye since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March, Prince William resumed royal duties after taking time away to support his wife and children. Last week, he represented his father, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, at the international commemorative ceremony in Normandy, France, on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. William joined over 25 heads of state, fellow European royals and veterans from around the world at the key ceremony to remember the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944.

The British royal family will gather in London this weekend for Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration and parade publicly marking the monarch’s birthday. This will be the second time that the event honors King Charles since his accession.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) and Prince William at a D-Day anniversary ceremony in France on June 6, 2024.JORDAN PETTITT/AFP VIA GETTY