Royal Mail has been forced to clarify an ‘error’ as one of its vans appeared to show a new King Charles cypher – for the wrong monarch.
The picture shows His Majesty’s symbol, which features an intertwined CR that stands for Charles Rex, design topped with a crown.
Inside the R in the photo is the number two written in Roman numerals – II. As per the Royal Family’s website, it should feature the number three – III.
King Charles II died some 339 years ago in 1685.
The person who posted the photo, Simon Lee, who has told Express.co.uk that the picture was taken by his wife, said on X: “Is this confined to new Royal Mail vans here in Olney or is the whole fleet celebrating King Charles II (who died in 1685) rather than the current King Charles III?”
It was greeted by jokes. @cliveatsynod commented: “This is part of a new initiative by the Post Office to ensure that letters posted in 1685 will be delivered very soon”
Doug Clow said: “I like the idea a patient old school sign painter was still working away on it when some officious manager came by and said ‘that’ll do, we need this van on the road.’
@wendyloued posted a photo of a different van which appeared to have the correct cypher.
She said: “Well this one I saw at Corfe Castle in October is correct.”
One person raised the possibility that the picture Mr Lee posted was photoshopped. He replied: “Not photoshopped.”
Others were hit with nostalgia. Historian Dr Francis Young commented: “Well, all judges are still in mourning for Charles II so I don’t see how this is any different. He was brilliant, still much missed.”
Royal Mail has told Express.co.uk that it understands that the cypher may have been damaged, and the cypher photographed only appears on one side of the van.
A spokesperson said: “This is an isolated case where the cypher appears to have been damaged on one side of the van. We will be rectifying it as soon as possible.”
The Royal Family describes the King’s cypher as ‘the Sovereign’s monogram, consisting of the initials of the monarch’s name, Charles, and title, Rex – Latin for King, alongside a representation of the Crown’.
It adds: “The cypher is the personal property of The King and was selected by His Majesty from a series of designs prepared by The College of Arms.
“A Scottish version of the cypher features the Scottish Crown, approved by Lord Lyon King of Arms.”
