Royal Signature presented to the King at Sandringham
RHS unveils new Royal Signature to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III’s patronage
The RHS has unveiled a new botanical painting, known as a Royal Signature, to celebrate the King being the charity’s Royal Patron and inspiring many to experience the joy of gardening.
The botanical artwork was presented to the King at Sandringham on 23 July 2025, where His Majesty signed the painting. The King has a lifelong passion for gardening and continues the enduring relationship between the Royal Family and the RHS – becoming its 15th Royal Patron in 2024.
Royal Signatures marking key moments
The new artwork will join a series of more than 40 historic works, all signed by members of the Royal Family, dating back over 200 years to 1816. Each artwork was commissioned at landmark moments in the lives of the charity’s Royal Patrons. Queen Charlotte, consort to King George III, became the first Royal Patron of the RHS and a special painting from artist William Hooker was commissioned and signed by The Queen.
Artist Gillian Barlow in her home studio creating the new Royal Signature
King Charles III’s new Royal Signature has been created by botanical artist Gillian Barlow and features calligraphy by Timothy Noad MBE, including the Royal Coat of Arms. The beautiful painting features a range of plants inspired by The King’s favourites, which are all growing in the new gardens at Sandringham.
Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: “We are incredibly honoured that His Majesty The King is our charity’s Patron. This painting marks over 200 years of Royal patronage and is testament to the Royal Family’s true love of gardening and its enduring relationship with the RHS. We’re thrilled that the painting will bring a flavour of Sandringham’s gardens to our members and visitors, especially as we look forward to the first RHS Flower Show at the Sandringham Estate in 2026.”
A history of Royal Signatures
More than 40 decorative Royal Signatures have been created. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were particularly enthusiastic supporters of the RHS. They persuaded members of their extended family and the European monarchy to join as honorary members and sign paintings. The delicate works feature flowers and plants that were associated with the signatory’s family, country or horticultural interests.
Watercolour on vellum, decorative border and signature of His Majesty George VI
King George VI became Royal Patron of the RHS in 1936 when he was crowned King and his painting is dated shortly after this, featuring a bell-flower cultivar. The late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a keen and knowledgeable gardener and a regular visitor to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The painting featuring her signature depicts a simple arrangement of magnolia, rose and lilac branches.
The piece commissioned for the late Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 (watch a short behind-the-scenes video) features early summer flowers such as foxgloves, wisteria, clematis and irises, which would be in bloom in early June at the time of her jubilee.
The King next to the new Royal Signature by Gillian Barlow
A copy of King Charles III’s Royal Signature has joined the exhibition of Royal Signature paintings at the Sandringham Estate. This stunning collection, featuring 25 Royal signatures, is displayed in the beautiful surroundings of the Ballroom in Sandringham House. Copies of The King’s Royal Signature are also on view within RHS Libraries at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire and the RHS Lindley Library in London.
See the full set of Royal Signature paintings and more treasures on the RHS Digital Collections online.
