As we look to London and back to the recent and great historical event that was the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, it is always a time to reflect on the importance of stability, unity, the ceremonial and decorum  through this ceremony that has followed the same traditions for nearly 1,000 years now. But it also reflects a renewal, as well, evidenced in, for example, the invitation to the Coronation itself. Here it is pictured below in case yours got lost in the mail like ours did.

The invitation for the Coronation was designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator whose work draws inspiration from the chivalric themes of Arthurian legend. Mr Jamieson is a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild, of which The King is an Honorary Member.The original artwork for the invitation was hand-painted in watercolor and gouache, and the design is reproduced and printed on recycled card, with gold foil detailing. Central to 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. The shape of the Green Man, crowned in natural foliage, is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom. 

The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation features 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. Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying The King becoming the third monarch of his name. A lion, a unicorn and a boar – taken from the coats of arms of the Monarch and Her Majesty’s father, Major Bruce Shand – can be seen amongst the flowers. Her Majesty’s arms are now enclosed by the Garter, following her installation as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter last summer. Special to The Gourmet Gazette