Decoding the King’s nature-inspired coronation invitation

The vibrant coronation invitation has been designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator and a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild, of which King Charles is an Honorary Member. The palace explained that the ‘original artwork for the invitation was hand-painted in watercolour and gouache, and the design, which recalls the Coronation Emblem, will be reproduced and printed on recycled card, with gold foil detailing.’ Included in the design is ‘the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign.’ Shown ‘crowned in natural foliage’, the form of Green Man is made up of ‘leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.’

The intricate design along the border of the invitation is inspired by a ‘British wildflower meadow’, featuring ‘lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild  strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance, together with wildlife including a bee, a butterfly, a ladybird, a wren and a robin.’ The flowers are grouped in threes, ‘signifying The King becoming the third monarch of his name.’ A lion, unicorn and boar also appear among the flowers, a nod to ‘the coats of arms of Their Majesties’, while the Queen Consort’s arms ‘are now enclosed by the Garter, following her installation as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter last summer.’