07/02/2019
WHAT IS “R” IN QUEEN’S SIGNATURE: When Queen posted her first Instagram recently, her signature wasn’t that informal. She signed as Elizabeth R.
The "R" doesn't signify a secret royal last name; instead, it stands for "regina," which means "queen" in Latin. If a king were signing, the "R" would stand for "rex."
The monarch has signed official documents (like the instrument of consent for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding), to guest books, to her first-ever tweet with "Elizabeth R."
The tradition of signing with the initial R goes back centuries for English monarchs, and later British monarchs (after Great Britain was formed following the Act of Union combining the kingdoms of England and Scotland in 1707), according to royal historian and Royal Musings founder Marlene Koenig.
"It designates the authority of the sovereign," Koenig tells BAZAAR.com via email. "You will find the use of 'R' as far back as Henry I [who ruled in the early 12th century]. It is how they sign all official documents, as well as formal letters, etc." But when the Queen writes to family and friends, she signs with the endearing nickname "Lilibet," Koenig adds.
However, there were some exceptions. "When Victoria became Empress of India, she signed as 'Victoria RI' (Rex Imperator) and the British sovereign used this until India became independent after the second World War," Marlene adds.
tures, according to Koenig. For example, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the wives of George V and George VI respectively, used the regal initial. Put Prince Philip does not incorporate it.
When Prince Charles, the next in line for the throne, becomes king, he'll likely also sign with "R" and so will Prince William after him.