The Hierarchy Arrangement for King Charles III's Royal Court

The Hierarchy Arrangement for King Charles III's Royal Court

**A New Tradition: The Royal Family Order of King Charles III**

The Royal Family Order of King Charles III, a prestigious honour bestowed upon senior women of the British royal family, was introduced in 2024, marking the beginning of King Charles III's reign. This order serves as a symbol of honour and recognition for these women, acknowledging their contributions to the British monarchy.

The design of the Royal Family Order typically features a ribbon with a miniature portrait of the monarch. King Charles III, like his predecessors, has the discretion to choose the colour of the sash or ribbon associated with his order. The specific details of King Charles III's order are not widely available, but it is likely that it follows the tradition set by previous monarchs.

The order was first worn by Queen Camilla at a state banquet for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan in 2024. This marked a quiet introduction, as is typical for royal orders. Queen Camilla has been seen wearing the Royal Family Order of King Charles III alongside the order of Queen Elizabeth II, which she received in 2007. This dual display highlights the tradition of recipients wearing multiple royal orders simultaneously.

King Charles III's Royal Family Order was inspired, in part, by his great-grandfather King George V's. Elizabeth Meek, a former president of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, was chosen by King Charles as his portrait artist for the Royal Family Order of King Charles III. Meek's miniature portrait of the monarch is meticulously crafted and measures approximately 1.57 inches by 1.18 inches. It is seated on an oval frame, surrounded by diamonds, and is featured in the brooch for the Royal Order of Charles.

King Charles wrote a letter praising Meek's "determination to retain the tradition of this art form, which has been historically significant since the reign of Henry VIII." Meek's work for the Royal Family Order of King Charles III is a testament to her dedication and skill as an artist.

The tradition of royal orders dates back to the early 19th century, when King George IV established the first such order. Each monarch customizes their own version, often featuring their portrait on the ribbon. King Charles III's order reinforces the bond between the monarch and their family members, acknowledging their contributions to the British monarchy.

Recipients can wear more than one royal order at a time, as evidenced by Queen Camilla's dual display at the French State Banquet in July 2025, where she wore both the Royal Orders for Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. This tradition continues to highlight the respect and appreciation the royal family has for its senior members and their service.

The Royal Family Order of King Charles III is a significant addition to the royal family's traditions and serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.

1. The Royal Family Order of King Charles III, a new tradition in the British royal family, was introduced in 2024 as a symbol of honor for senior women, following the beginning of King Charles III's reign.
2. In the design of King Charles III's Royal Family Order, a ribbon with a miniature portrait of the monarch is typically included, with the king having the discretion to choose the color of the sash or ribbon.
3. King Charles III's order, inspired by his great-grandfather King George V's, features a miniature portrait of the monarch meticulously crafted by Elizabeth Meek, a former president of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters.
4. King Charles III wrote a letter praising Meek's dedication and skill as an artist, noting her "determination to retain the tradition of this art form, which has been historically significant since the reign of Henry VIII."
5. The Royal Family Order of King Charles III is a significant addition to the royal family's traditions, reinforcing the bond between the monarch and their family members, acknowledging their contributions to the British monarchy, and continues the tradition of royal orders that dates back to the early 19th century.

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