The King’s coronation official invitation has been released and it is full of British symbolism.
Its main feature is the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore representing spring and rebirth.
The Green Man is found in many forms throughout history, with some seeing the mysterious figure as something of a trickster.
Although often thought of as a pagan symbol, carvings of the Green Man are commonly found in churches across Europe.
He has been described as being a bridge between Pagan and Christian beliefs.
The King’s coronation church Westminster Abbey also features a Green Man – surrounded by leaf decorations on the Quire Screen, which separates the Nave from the Quire.
The elaborately decorated artwork – which will be reproduced on recycled card with gold foil detailing – also features a colourful abundance of wildflowers and wildlife.
The Green Man is crowned in natural foliage and formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn and the UK’s emblematic flowers.
The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation includes lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses and bluebells.
The meadow also features rosemary for remembrance, seemingly in memory of the late Queen.
Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying the King becoming Charles III – the third monarch of his name.
The King, who has campaigned against climate change for years, is known for his love of nature.
A lion, a unicorn and a boar – taken from the coats of arms of Charles and his consort – can be seen amongst the flowers.
The invitation is the first official reference to ‘Queen Camilla’ – instead of Buckingham Palace’s previous use of ‘Queen Consort’.
It was designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator, and a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild, of which the King is an honorary member.
The original artwork for the invitation was hand-painted in watercolour and gouache.
The coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The King acceded the throne on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother – but it is traditional for a full ceremony to be held a significant time later as a mark of respect to the late monarch.
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