Enclosed with flowers he personally selected from three of the royal residences, Charles wrote on a card placed on the monarch’s coffin, “In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.” The “R” stands for “Rex,” which is Latin for “King.” The Queen would often sign her own correspondence as “Elizabeth R,” which stands for “Regina” or “Queen” in Latin. The newly acceded King’s note echoes his mother in more ways than just his signature. LOIC VENANCE/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II left a handwritten note on her husband Prince Philip’s casket at his funeral in April 2021. She signed the card “Lilibet,” a childhood nickname that the Duke of Edinburgh used for her throughout their lives together. The Queen died on Sept. 8, 2022, at age 96. In his first televised address as King, Charles expressed “profound sorrow” at the death of the Queen. “Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration and example to me and all our family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” he said. “Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered,” he added, “through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.” Next, get to know all of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
