MANY may recognise the letters ER as having something to do with the late Queen but not actually know what they stand for.
After the Queen passed away in September 2022, the royal letters have changed, but what do they mean?
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What did ER stand for?
ER stands for Elizabeth Regina, which is what the Queen used to sign all official documents.
She wasn’t given the name Regina at birth but it is Latin for Queen.
ER was the monarch’s royal cypher or a monogram that had Queen Elizabeth II’s initials.
It is also sometimes written as E II R which indicates that she was the second queen to be called Elizabeth.
Where is ER used?
ER tends to be seen in many parts of the United Kingdom, mostly on the iconic red post boxes.
It’s also on government buildings across the Commonwealth, government papers and duty stamps.
It can also be found on the clothes of some of the Royal staff, including the trumpeters, as well as navy and army uniforms.
Will ER change now Charles is King?
His Majesty was officially proclaimed King on Sunday September 11, 2022 by the Accession Council in a ceremony at St James’ Palace.
He signed two official documents which is the first time the world saw CR used instead of ER.
He signed “Charles R”, but unlike the Queen, the R doesn’t stand for Regina, but for Rex, which is the Latin word for King.
How did Queen Elizabeth die?
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96.
She was the longest reigning monarch in UK history, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee just months before her death.
During her 70 year reign she saw 15 Prime Ministers in power, as well as carrying out 21,000 engagements.
The late Queen passed away at her Scottish estate Balmoral where she spent most of her summers.
King Charles III was crowned following his mother’s death, with his coronation taking place on May 6, 2023.
When his mother died, he said it was a “moment of great sadness” for him that would be “deeply felt” around the world.
