King Charles Debuts New Royal Signature — and It Honors a 200-Year-Old Queen Charlotte Tradition

King Charles may share Prince William’s vision for a modern monarchy, but that does not mean he's forgotten his royal roots. On July 23, the King honored a 200-year-old tradition started by Queen Charlotte by signing a Royal Signature at the Sandringham Estate. As part of the custom, the Royal Horticultural Society unveiled a stunning new botanical painting, titled Royal Signature, in his honor. The artwork not only reflects centuries of royal heritage but also celebrates Charles’s deep connection to the RHS, an institution he supports as patron.

Renowned botanical artist Gillian Barlow crafted the stunning artwork, which also featured elegant calligraphy by Timothy Noad MBE. As reported by Town & Country magazine, the painting showcases the Royal Coat of Arms surrounded by magnolia, acers, geraniums, gladioli, and crocuses, all flourishing in the newly refurbished gardens of Sandringham. Barlow, who also created a Royal Signature for the late Queen Elizabeth in 2022, now chairs the RHS Picture Panel. Continuing the legacy of Queen Charlotte, the Society’s first-ever patron in 1816, Charles proudly became the RHS’s 15th patron in 2024, blending heritage with his love for nature.

As per the RHS website, in 1816, Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, signed her first commissioned painting. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were also ardent supporters of the RHS, who 'persuaded members of their extended family and the European monarchy to join as honorary members and sign paintings.' Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said in a statement, "This painting marks over 200 years of royal patronage and is a testament to the royal family’s true love of gardening and its enduring relationship with the RHS." She continued, "We’re thrilled that the painting will bring a flavour of Sandringham’s gardens to our members and visitors, especially as we look forward to the first ever RHS Flower Show at the Sandringham Estate in 2026." 

According to Tatler, Charles’s Royal Signature draws inspiration from his favorite flowers, found in the newly redesigned gardens at Sandringham. A devoted gardener, the King often blends his love of nature and art by painting landscapes of royal estates in his spare time. That shared passion connects him to Barlow, who also created a botanical portrait for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. For that piece, completed shortly before the Queen’s passing in September 2022, Barlow featured early June blooms like foxgloves, irises, clematis, and wisteria. Queen Charlotte’s signature, by contrast, was painted by William Hooker. Since then, over 40 Royal Signatures have been commissioned to date.

A signed copy of the King’s Royal Signature will be added to the current exhibition of Royal Signature paintings on display in the Sandringham House Ballroom through October 10. Copies of the botanical portrait will also be showcased in RHS libraries across London, Surrey, and North Yorkshire starting July 30. Meanwhile, Charles is said to be currently in Scotland at the Balmoral estate for his annual summer retreat with the royal family. Each year, the royals spend several weeks at Balmoral, their traditional holiday residence nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire.