• His Majesty King Charles III approved the new Great Seal of the Realm during a Privy Council meeting, marking a significant ceremonial milestone in his reign.
• The Great Seal, designed and produced by The Royal Mint, is an important part of the formal transition of The King’s reign, joining the new effigy and definitive coinage
• The unveiling coincides with the second anniversary of His Majesty’s Coronation and highlights the historic link between the Monarchy and The Royal Mint, two of the UK’s most enduring institutions.

Saturday 10^th May 2025 In a moment steeped in tradition and historic symbolism, His Majesty King Charles III has approved his new Great Seal of the Realm for the first time during a Privy Council meeting this week, marking a significant ceremonial milestone in his reign.

The unveiling of a new Great Seal marks an important part of the formal transition of the Monarch’s reign, completing the suite of national symbols produced by The Royal Mint that includes His Majesty’s new effigy and the suite of definitive coins. Its approval is especially poignant as it coincides with the second anniversary of The King’s Coronation.

Traditionally affixed to official State documents to signify Royal approval, the Great Seal is a powerful symbol of Sovereign authority. Each Monarch has their own unique seal created during their reign. The previous Great Seal was used by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was made by The Royal Mint in 2000. As tradition dictates, the old seal is struck with a hammer in the Privy Council meeting, signifying its destruction. The symbolically defaced Seal is then preserved for historical records.

The obverse of the Seal features The King seated on a throne while the reverse depicts the Royal Arms designed by Heraldic artist, Timothy Noad. This new design celebrates the symbol of a nation, which will be used across official government documentation such as UK passports. Its creation is one of many prestigious commissions undertaken by The Royal Mint’s team of specialist artists and engravers.

Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Mint and ex-officio Officer of the Great Seal, comments: “We are proud to unveil the Great Seal of King Charles III, concluding the transition of His Majesty’s reign. The Great Seals hold an important constitutional role in society and has been used to authenticate thousands of Royal documents throughout history. The Great Seal of King Charles III was produced by our craftspeople in Llantrisant, upholding the highest standards of British Craftsmanship and highlighting The Royal Mint’s long-standing relationship with the Monarchy.” 

The new seal was designed and produced by The Royal Mint, which has been entrusted with this responsibility for centuries. With a heritage spanning more than 1,100 years, The Royal Mint embodies the finest in British craftsmanship, blending traditional skills with modern minting techniques. The creation of the Great Seal highlights the enduring relationship between the Monarchy and The Royal Mint—two of the nation’s most historic institutions.

To mark this moment, The Royal Mint is also releasing a new commemorative coin featuring the Royal Arms design that appears on the reverse side of the Great Seal. This is the first time that King Charles III’s Arms have appeared on a UK £5 coin and is available in gold, silver, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions. This collectible coin continues the celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and national symbolism.

For more information visit royalmint.com