In a continuation of a tradition spanning over two centuries, a newly commissioned botanical artwork was presented to The King at Sandringham, where he added his Royal Signature to the piece.
The painting celebrates the King’s lifelong passion for gardening and his role as the fifteenth Royal Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, a role he took on in 2024.
@The_RHS has unveiled a new botanical painting, known as a ‘Royal Signature’, to celebrate King Charles III becoming the charity’s royal patron. https://t.co/0F7EgT8KlV
The artwork was presented to the King at Sandringham this week, where HM signed the painting.
📷Oliver Dixon pic.twitter.com/1c0RJPzCQr— Majesty Magazine & Joe Little (@MajestyMagazine) July 26, 2025
This striking new addition joins a historic series of over 40 botanical artworks signed by members of the Royal Family, with roots tracing back to 1816. The tradition began with Queen Charlotte, consort of George III and the first Royal Patron of the RHS, who signed a commissioned piece by noted botanical artist William Hooker. Each painting in the collection commemorates significant milestones in the lives of the Society’s Royal Patrons.
The latest artwork, created by botanical artist Gillian Barlow, includes expert calligraphy and the Royal Coat of Arms. It features a stunning array of flora inspired by Charles III’s personal favourites – which are plants that are growing in the newly developed gardens at Sandringham. The painting’s palette features regal tones of gold, accented with crimson, vivid and coral pinks, light mauve, and deep purples.
Among the plants depicted are Magnolia sprengeri, Magnolia campbellii, Quercus rubra ‘Bolte’s Gold’, Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’, and Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’, along with delicate species such as Corydalis flexuosa, Geranium pratense ‘Wisley Blue’, and springtime classics including Narcissus ‘February Silver’, Jetfire, and Crocus.
A copy of The King’s Royal Signature will join the current exhibition of 25 paintings at the Sandringham Estate, which are on display for the first time until October 2025.
Clare Matterson, Director General of the RHS, said: “We are incredibly honoured that His Majesty The King has become 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 ever RHS Flower Show at the Sandringham Estate in 2026.”
Book tickets to see Charles’ royal signature at Sandringham here.
