10-05-2025
New design for royal seal of approval marks final stages of transition of power
The King has approved a new symbol of sovereign authority, which depicts him seated on a throne.
The Great Seal of the Realm is traditionally affixed to official State documents to signify royal approval, with each monarch having their own unique seal created during their reign.
The engraving on the face of the seal is a depiction of Charles on a throne, while the reverse carries the Royal Arms designed by heraldic artist Timothy Noad.
Last night at 9pm, The King delivered a speech to mark exactly 80 years since his grandfather, King George VI, addressed the nation on VE Day. During the speech, His Majesty reflected on his mother Queen Elizabeth II's memories of the special day. 🎥 BBC Studios Events
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 9, 2025
The King approved the new Great Seal of the Realm and Counter Seal during a Privy Council meeting this week.
Tradition dictates that the old seal of Queen Elizabeth II would have been struck with a hammer by the King in the Privy Council meeting with Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood.
The act is symbolic of its destruction, but the late Queen's is defaced seal is then preserved for historical record.
The approval of a new seal marks the final stage in the formal transition to the King's reign, adding to the suite of national symbols produced by The Royal Mint that includes the King's new effigy and coinage.
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The new seals' design was revealed during a week when the King and the royal family marked 80 years since VE Day.
During the week, King and Queen observed a military procession through London and an RAF flypast that saw the Red Arrows perform.
A special tea party was hosted at Buckingham Palace in honour of Second World War veterans, and on the anniversary of VE Day, a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey was held.
