If you’ve been seeing the initials ER emblazoned on uniforms and items in the UK in the wake of the Queen’s death and can’t figure out what it means, you probably aren’t alone.
The marking, usually with ‘II’ in-between, is often found on stamps and post boxes through the United Kingdom, as well as on the regal uniforms of the famous Beefeater guards at the Tower of London.
But what exactly does “ER” stand for?
ER stands for Elizabeth Regina. Regina means Queen in Latin.
(Image: Getty)Simply put, ER was the Royal Cypher of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history.
The ER stands for Elizabeth Regina. Elizabeth, of course, being her first name – while Regina means “Queen” in Latin.
And because Her Majesty wasn’t the first Elizabeth to reign over the United Kingdom, the cypher included the Roman numerals to indicate this – II.
The uniforms of the Yeomen Warders, commonly known as the Beefeaters, are emblazoned with EIIR.
(Image: Getty)The Yeomen Warders, who are commonly known as the Beefeaters among Brits, are the colourfully-dressed bodyguards on duty at the Tower of London.
Known for their elaborate scarlet and gold uniforms, which date from 1552, their jackets include the cypher EIIR.
The initials can also be seen on government buildings, state documents and royal-affiliated items.
However, in the aftermath of the Queen’s death, the cypher will change to reflect the new monarch, King Charles III.
The new initials will now read CR or CIIIR – which stands for Charles Rex and represents that he’s the fourth Charles to rule.
Rex is, of course, the Latin word for King.
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