With Buckingham Palace issuing the coronation invitation at Westminster Abbey on May 6, there are plenty of symbols within the drawings – including the green man, who symbolizes a new dawn and rebirth.
One of the country’s most famous pagan symbols, appearing in many medieval churches, it’s a symbol of spring and rebirth – and the occasion for a new rule.
Many experts believe it provided a reassuring bridge between Dark Ages paganism and early Christianity, which is why it also appears in many historic places of worship.
In the spirit of ancient religion and its association with ancient forests, King Charles Green Man is crowned with natural foliage – oak leaves, ivy and hawthorn, symbolic flowers of the United Kingdom.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the symbolism in the invitation and what all the little details mean…
The invitation to the king’s coronation contains plenty of symbols and nods to lost loved ones, as well as the values King Charles cherishes.
1. The coat of arms of King Charles
The coat of arms of King Charles is in the upper left corner of the coronation invitation. The king was awarded the coat of arms when he was 13 years old
In the upper left corner of the invitation is the king’s coat of arms.
The King was awarded his insignia when heir apparent at the age of 13, which is known as a historic achievement.
As with many surnames, his shield is guarded by a lion, which usually represents England.
The shield is guarded by a lion, typically representing England, and a unicorn, representing Scotland. In the lower left quarter of the shield is a harp, representing Ireland.
Beneath the coat of arms are the Latin words “dieu and mon droit,” which translates to “God and my right.”
2. Queen Camilla’s coat of arms
Queen Camilla’s crest sits in the upper right corner of the coronation invitation and features a pig from her father’s crest.
In the upper right corner of the invitation is the coat of arms of Queen Camilla, which was awarded to her in 2015.
At the time, Clarence House insiders said the decision to have a separate crest for Camilla followed efforts by members of the royal family to ensure she was not seen as a “substitute” for Diana.
The central shield atop Camilla’s crest flanks the “royal lion supporter” from the arms of the Prince on the left, while on the right is a boar taken from the arms of Camilla’s father, Major Shand.
3. The Green Man
The Green Man, a pagan symbol of rebirth, is printed below the invitation in the center of the page
The Green Man is one of many features in the coronation call that signal a new dawn.
It stems from Old English folklore and represents rebirth, renewal and the cycle of life that begins each spring.
The Green Man may also be a reference to the coronation site of Westminster Abbey, which also features the symbol’s carving atop the facade of the quire screen within the building.
According to a tweet posted on the Westminster Abbey Twitter account, the green man is often considered a pagan symbol, but carvings can be found in Christian churches across Europe.
4. Flowers for the United Kingdom
The invitation border shows national flowers from across the UK including the shamrock for Ireland and the daffodil for Wales (pictured)
The invitation borders are filled with roses and thistles that each have special meanings – especially the nations flowers of the United Kingdom.
Borders include daffodils for Wales, thistles for Scotland, shamrocks for Ireland and roses for England, alluding to the fact that the monarch will be king of all four countries.
The Tudor rose in itself is a symbol of unity after conflict, having been conceived when the warring houses of York and Lancaster found peace and merged.
5. Robin and Wren
Robin and the wren, which sit on the golden “C” above the invitation in the middle, are symbols of rebirth and immortality
The robin and the wren, which sit on the gold letter above the invitation in the middle of the page, are other symbols of rebirth, but they can also be seen as a tribute to lost loved ones.
The wren usually symbolizes rebirth, immortality and protection. After the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, the wren can be seen as a nod to King Charles’ beloved mother, whose legacy lives on.
Likewise, a robin is often taken as a sign that those who have passed away are still with us, serving a “messenger” function.
In addition, the robin on the invitation can also be a sign of optimism for the future, as the bird is also known as a symbol of happiness.
6. Bluebells
Along the invitation’s right border is a bough of a blue bell, symbolizing eternity and eternal love
In a possible nod to the values King Charles would cherish during his reign, the blue bell on the border around the invitation symbolizes humility and eternal love.
The symbolism touches on the values King Charles mentioned in his first address to the nation when he came to the throne, which was filmed at Buckingham Palace.
‘Wherever you live in the United Kingdom, or in realms and territories throughout the world,’ he said, ‘and whatever your background or beliefs may be, I will endeavor to serve you with sincerity, respect and love, as I have all along. my life.
My life will of course change as I take on my new responsibilities.
7. Two forget-me-nots
There are two forget-me-not flowers around the invitation border. A small blue flower is usually an indication that you are commemorating a lost loved one. The presence of two florals on the invitation may be a nod to the late King Charles’ mother and father, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Sprigs of oblivion can be seen all over the borders of the invitation, and are a common symbol of remembrance.
Giving someone else a gift with “don’t forget me” is usually considered a thoughtful gesture, as it’s a sign that you’re keeping that person in your thoughts.
The tiny blue flowers are often considered a tribute to loved ones who have been lost – and may be a reference to King Charles’ beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Notably, there are two small blue flowers on the invitation on each side of the border.
It can be considered that each flower symbolizes the late parents of King Charles – the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The general meaning of forget-me-not refers to how to keep someone in your thoughts, indicating that the king would carry his late parents with him throughout his reign.
8. The seal of the Duke of Norfolk
The seal of the Duke of Norfolk appears in the lower right quadrant of the coronation invitation
One of the more practical, but just as important, features on the coronation invitation is the seal of the Duke of Norfolk in the lower right quadrant.
The current Duke of Norfolk is the Earl Marshal, Edward FitzAlan-Howard. He inherited the role, which had been a hereditary title since 1672, in 2002.
The Duke of Norfolk is responsible for organizing the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
After the Queen’s death, he also organized her funeral.
9. Strawberry
The strawberries in the invitation, which appear on the border at the top, are a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth
In perhaps the most poignant tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, her favorite fruit appeared at the top of the invitation.
Her late Majesty the Queen was known for her love of strawberries – and strawberry jam in particular.
While the inclusion of summer fruit refers to the theme of spring, its deeper meaning is likely to be a reference to King Charles’ beloved mother.
The late Queen Elizabeth was known to enjoy afternoon tea every day, at which point she would sit down to eating jam sandwiches, which were then sliced.
Every day without stopping, the sandwiches were filled with strawberry jam.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady once revealed that the Queen’s afternoon tradition was something she’d been doing for over 90 years and harked back to her childhood.
10. Wild animals
The lion, one of the three wild animals featured in the invitation, is historically known as the symbol of England
There are three wild animals of particular interest across the invitation.
The lion, commonly known as the animal in England, appears on the royal coats of arms and separately throughout the period of convocation.
In addition to being the historical animal of England, the lion also represents courage – another value a monarch would cherish during his reign.
The pig also appears on the invitation, both on the Queen Camilla crest and separately.
The inclusion of the pig, which originates from Camilla’s father Major Bruce Shand’s crest, is a poignant homage to her, and indicates the unity she and King Charles are crowning.
The unicorn, which also appears on King Charles’ coat of arms, is historically known as the animal symbol of Scotland.
(tags for translation) Daily Mail
