As Buckingham Palace releases the invitation for the coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, there is plenty of symbolism within the graphics – including the Green Man, which symbolises a new dawn and rebirth.
One of the country’s best-known pagan symbols, which features in many medieval churches, it is emblematic of spring and rebirth – and fitting for a new reign.
Many experts believe that it provided a reassuring bridge between Dark Ages paganism and early Christianity, which is why it also features in so many historic places of worship.
In the spirit of the Old Religion and its association with ancient woodlands, King Charles’s Green Man is crowned in natural foliage – leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the symbolism within the invitation and what each little detail means…
The King’s coronation invitation contains lots of symbolism and plenty of nods to loved ones lost, as well as the values King Charles holds dear
1. King Charles’s coat of arms
King Charles’s coat of arms sits in the top left hand corner of the coronation invitation. The King was given the coat of arms when he was 13 years old
In the top left hand corner of the invitation is the King’s coat of arms.
The King was bestowed his crest when he was heir apparent at the age of 13, known as a heraldic achievement.
As with many of the crests his shield is guarded by a lion, which typically represents England.
The shield is guarded by a lion, which typically represents England, and a unicorn, which represents Scotland. In the bottom left quarter of the shield is a harp, which represent Ireland.
Underneath 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 coat of arms sits at the top right corner of the coronation invitation and features a boar, from her father’s coat of arms
In the top right hand corner of the invitation is Queen Camilla’s coat of arms, which was granted to her in 2015.
At the time, insiders at Clarence House said the decision to have a separate coat of arms for Camilla followed efforts by the Royals to ensure that she is not seen as a ‘replacement’ to Diana.
The central shield on Camilla’s crest is flanked by the ‘Royal lion supporter’ from the Prince’s arms on the left, while on the right is a boar taken from Camilla’s father, Major Shand’s arms.
3. The Green Man
The Green Man, a pagan symbol for rebirth, is printed at the bottom of the invitation in the centre of the page
The Green Man is one of many features on the coronation invitation that signals a new dawn.
It stems from ancient English folklore and represents rebirth and regeneration, and the cycle of life that begins every spring.
The Green Man may also be a nod to the coronation location of Westminster Abbey, which also features a carving of the symbol on top of the quire screen facade 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 of the UK
The borders of the invitation show the national flowers from around the UK including the shamrock for Ireland and daffodil for Wales (pictured)
The borders of the invitation are filled with flowers and thorns that each have special meanings – particularly the flowers of the nations in the UK.
Included in the borders are the daffodil for Wales, the thistle for Scotland, the shamrock for Ireland and the rose for England, in a nod to the fact that the King will be a monarch for all four nations.
The Tudor rose in itself is symbolic of unity after conflict, as it was designed when the warring houses of York and Lancaster found peace and merged.
5. A robin and a wren
The robin and the wren, which sit on the golden ‘C’ at the top of the invitation in the centre, are symbols of rebirth and immortality
The robin and the wren, which sit on the golden ‘C’ on the top of the invitation in the middle of the page, are further symbols of rebirth, but they also could be considered a tribute to lost loved ones.
Typically the wren symbolises rebirth, immortality and protection. Following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022, the wren could be considered a nod to King Charles’s beloved mother, whose legacy lives on.
Similarly the robin is often considered a sign that those who have passed away are still with us, serving a ‘messenger’ function.
In addition the robin on the invitation could also be a sign of optimism for the future, with the bird also known as a symbol for happiness.
6. Bluebells
Along the right-hand border of the invitation is a sprig of bluebells which symbolise immortality and everlasting love
In a potential nod to the values King Charles will hold dear during his reign, the bluebells in the border around the invitation are symbolic of humility and everlasting love.
The symbolism touches upon values mentioned by King Charles in his first address to the nation when he ascended the throne, which was filmed at Buckingham Palace.
He said: ‘And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.
‘My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities.’
7. Two forget-me-nots
There are two forget-me-not flowers around the border of the invitation. Typically, the little blue flower is a signal you are commemorating a lost loved one. The presence of two of the flowers on the invitation might be a nod to King Charles late mother and father, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Sprigs of forget-me-nots can be seen all around the border of the invitation, and are a common symbol of remembrance.
Typically, it is considered a thoughtful gesture to present another person with forget-me-nots as a gift, as it is a signal you are keeping that person in your thoughts.
The little blue flowers are often considered a tribute to loved ones lost – and may well be a nod to King Charles’s beloved late mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Notably, there are two of the little blue flowers on the invitation on each side of the border.
It could be considered that each flower symbolises each of King Charles’s late parents – The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The general meaning that forget-me-nots signal how you are keeping someone in your thoughts suggests the King will be carrying his late parents with him throughout his reign.
8. Stamp of the Duke of Norfolk
The Duke of Norfolk’s stamp features in the bottom right hand quadrant of the invitation to the King’s coronation
One of the more functional, but just as important features, on the coronation invitation is the Duke of Norfolk’s stamp in the bottom right quadrant.
The current Duke of Norfolk is Earl Marshal, Edward Fitzalan-Howard. He inherited the role, which has been a hereditary title since 1672, in 2002.
The Duke of Norfolk is in charge of organising the coronation at Wesminster Abbey.
Following the Queen’s death, he also organised her funeral.
9. Strawberries
The strawberries in the invitation, which feature in the border at the top, is a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth
In perhaps the most touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, her favourite fruit is featured right at the top of the invitation.
Her late Majesty was known for her love of strawberries – and strawberry jam in particular.
While the inclusion of the summer fruit makes a nod to the theme of spring, its deeper meaning is likely to be a nod to King Charles’s beloved mother.
The late Queen Elizabeth was known for enjoying afternoon tea every day, at which point she would sit down to eat jam penny sandwiches, which were cut into rounds.
Every day without fail, the sandwiches were filled with strawberry jam.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady once revealed that the Queen’s afternoon tradition was something she continued for more than 90 years and it harked back to her childhood.
10. Wild animals
The lion, which is one of the three wild animals featured on the invitation, has historically been known as the symbol for England
Across the invitation there are three wild animals which all have particular significance.
The lion, which is typically known as the animal for England, features both on the royal coats of arms and separately throughout the invitation.
As well as being the historic animal for England, the lion also represents courage – another value the King may hold dear during his reign.
The boar is also featured on the invitation, both on Queen Camilla’s crest and separately.
The inclusion of the boar, which originates from Camilla’s father Major Bruce Shand’s coat of arms, is a touching tribute to her, and signals unity as she and King Charles are crowned.
The unicorn, which also features on King Charles’s coat of arms, has historically been known as the animal symbol for Scotland.
