This week, a gesture loaded with deep historical and political symbolism has taken place in the United Kingdom. King Charles III has approved the creation of his own Great Seal.
Additionally, he has proceeded with the destruction of the one that belonged to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. In doing so, he has definitively closed a cycle that marked much of the 20th century for the United Kingdom, as well as for his family.
A Millennial Tradition to Mark the Change of Era
The news, confirmed by Buckingham Palace through an official statement, explains that the act took place during a recent meeting of the Privy Council, the monarch's advisory body. In that session, Charles III gave his formal approval to the design of the new Great Seal. The emblem that legitimizes all official documents of the United Kingdom and represents royal authority.
With this decision, an ancient tradition of the British monarchy is activated: the destruction of the previous king's seal, a ceremonial act that, although symbolic, has a strong institutional weight. According to custom, Elizabeth II's seal was struck with a hammer to disfigure it, thus marking its official retirement.
However, due to its historical value, the seal is not completely eliminated: it is preserved as an archival piece and national heritage.
The Last Official Vestige of Elizabeth II's Reign
The figure of Elizabeth II, who reigned for more than 70 years, remains deeply rooted in the British collective memory. However, this moment confirms that Charles III's reign now enters a new phase, now fully consolidated. This after more than two years since his coronation.
The creation of his own seal not only has administrative implications but represents a key institutional step. The last official element that recalled his mother's reign has been replaced.
A Seal That Represents Royal Authority
The Great Seal of the Realm is an essential tool of the United Kingdom's political and legal system. It is used to authenticate documents such as laws, international treaties, and other acts of state that require the monarch's formal consent. Each new king or queen receives a seal specially designed for their reign, marking their unique authority over the country and the Commonwealth.
With the approval of his own design, Charles III takes another step in affirming his identity as a monarch, differentiating himself from the monumental figure of Elizabeth II. It is a discreet act, but full of meaning for observers of British politics and the evolution of its crown.
Although it may seem like a simple bureaucratic procedure, it is not. The destruction of Elizabeth II's seal and the creation of Charles III's new royal seal represent the kind of silent acts that build the institutional narrative of a monarchy.