29/10/2023
Six new award designs bearing the image of King Charles III have been revealed by the Cabinet Office.
Awards with His Majesty The King’s image in use from the beginning of October.
The new designs are presented on almost 50 different awards.
Images bear the inscription Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
The images - known as effigies - will be used for almost 50 awards, including The King’s Gallantry Medal, the Royal Red Cross and a range of long service awards.
The new images will replace previous designs which featured an image of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The new designs feature six different depictions of The King along with the inscription CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FID DEF - meaning Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
Three of the images show The King wearing the uniforms of the Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy), Field Marshal (Army) and Marshal of the Royal Air Force (RAF). On these medals, The King faces left in order for His medal bar to be seen.
New Royal effigies are announced when a Monarch ascends to the throne and are used on official medals and awards forming part of the UK’s honours system.
Her Late Majesty’s effigy has continued to be in use for medals and awards which recognised service given during Her reign.
The first effigy will grace the Royal Navy LS&GC, the second is the Royal Air Force LS&GC and the third is the Army LS&GC.