Overview

• King Charles III formally approved the new Great Seal of the Realm during a Privy Council meeting at Buckingham Palace this week.
• The new seal depicts the King seated on a throne, while the reverse features the Royal Arms designed by heraldic artist Timothy Noad.
• The Great Seal is used to authenticate official state documents, with each monarch commissioning a unique design for their reign.
• As part of the ceremonial process, the former seal was symbolically defaced with a hammer and preserved for historical record.
• The approval of the new seal signifies the completion of Charles III’s formal transition to the throne, alongside other symbols like his effigy and coinage produced by The Royal Mint.