View source for Great Seal of the Realm

{{Short description|Symbol of the British monarch's approval}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2022}}
[[File:Great Seal of the Realm Charles III Obverse.png|thumb|Obverse side of the Great Seal of the Realm struck in 2025 during the reign of Charles III]]

The '''Great Seal of the Realm''' is a [[Seal (emblem)|seal]] that is used in the [[United Kingdom]] to symbolise the [[British monarchy|sovereign]]'s approval of state documents, today given on the [[Advice (constitutional law)|advice]] of the [[Government of the United Kingdom|government of the day]]. It is also known as the '''Great Seal of the United Kingdom''' (known prior to the [[Treaty of Union 1707|Treaty of Union of 1707]] as the '''Great Seal of England'''; and from then until the [[Acts of Union 1800|Union of 1801]] as the '''Great Seal of Great Britain'''). To make it, granules of a thermoplastic (once wax) are softened in a silver mould or matrix and impressed into a plastic figure that is attached by cord or [[ribbon]] to documents that the monarch wishes to seal officially. The formal [[keeper of the seal]] is the [[Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain]]. 

Scotland has had its [[Great Seal of Scotland|own great seal]] since the 14th century. The [[Acts of Union 1707]], joining the kingdoms of Scotland and England, provided for the use of a single Great Seal for the new [[Kingdom of Great Britain]].<ref>Article XXIV</ref> However, it also provided for the continued use of a separate Scottish seal to be used there, and this seal continues to be called the [[Great Seal of Scotland]] and used by the monarch to sign letters patent for bills of the [[Scottish Parliament]]. Similarly, a separate [[Great Seal of Ireland]], which had been used in Ireland since the 13th century, continued in use after the union of 1801, until the secession of the Irish Free State, after which a new [[Great Seal of Northern Ireland]] was created for use in Northern Ireland. A [[Welsh Seal]] was introduced in 2011.

==History==

At some time before the year 1066 [[Edward the Confessor]] began to use a "Great Seal", which created a casting in wax of his own face, to signify that a document carried the force of his will.  With some exceptions, each subsequent monarch up to 1603, when the king of Scotland succeeded to the throne of England, chose his or her own design for the Great Seal.

[[Levina Teerlinc]] is believed to have designed the seal of [[Queen Mary I]], and also the earliest seal used by her successor [[Elizabeth I]], in the 1540s.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Catherine|title=What Women Can Make|year=1999|pages=61–62}}</ref>

{{anchor|Great Seal of the Commonwealth}}
When opening Parliament on 3 September 1654, the [[Lord Protector]] [[Oliver Cromwell]] was escorted by the three "Commissioners of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England", who were Whitelock, Lisle, and Widdrington. This Seal was inscribed with "The Great Seal of England, 1648", displaying a map of England, Ireland, Jersey, and Guernsey on one side, with the Arms of England and Ireland. On the other side was shown the interior of the House of Commons, the Speaker in his chair, with the inscription, "In the first year of Freedom, by God's blessing restored, 1648." In 1655, Cromwell appointed three Commissioners of the Great Seal of Ireland, [[Richard Pepys]], Chief Justice of the Upper Bench, Sir Gerard Lowther, Chief Justice of the Common Bench; and [[Miles Corbet]], Chief Baron of the Exchequer. But they held the seal only until 1656, when Cromwell nominated [[William Steele (Lord Chancellor of Ireland)|William Steele]], Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer in England, Lord Chancellor of Ireland.<ref>James Roderick O'Flanagan, ''The lives of the Lord Chancellors and Keepers of the Great Seal of Ireland, from the earliest times to the reign of Queen Victoria'', (1870), {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20111217094856/http://www.chaptersofdublin.com/books/chancellors/Chancellors25.htm Chapter XXV. Custody of the Great Seal During The Commonwealth.]}}</ref>

In 1688, while attempting to flee to France during the [[Glorious Revolution]], [[James II of England|James II]] allegedly attempted to destroy his Great Seal by throwing it into the [[River Thames]], in the hope that the machinery of government would cease to function. James's successors, [[William III of England|William III]] and [[Mary II]], used the same seal matrix in their new Great Seal. This may have been a deliberate choice, in order to imply the continuity of government. A new obverse was created, but the reverse was crudely adapted by inserting a female figure beside the male figure. When [[Mary II of England|Mary]] died, the obverse returned to the design used by James II, while the female figure was deleted from the reverse. Thus, [[William III of England|William III]] used a seal that was identical to James II's, except for changes to the legend and coat of arms.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Jenkinson |first=Hilary |author-link=Hilary Jenkinson |year=1943 |title=What happened to the Great Seal of James II? |journal=Antiquaries Journal |volume=23 |issue=1–2 |pages=1–13 |doi=10.1017/s0003581500042189|s2cid=162188010 }}</ref> 

The 1922 secession from the United Kingdom of the [[Irish Free State]] impelled a change in the [[Style of the British sovereign|royal style]], which was agreed at the [[1926 Imperial Conference]] and effected by the [[Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927]], after which a new Great Seal was [made] with the new style.<ref>{{multiref|
{{Cite journal |last1=Shinn |first1=Ridgway F. |title=Changing the King's Title, 1926: An Asterisk to "O'Higgins' Comma" |journal=Irish Jurist |date=1981 |jstor=44026910 |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=114–140 |issn=0021-1273}}|
{{Cite news |title=Creation of Irish Free State; Changes in the King's Titles Necessitated |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/archive/1930/1028/Pg006.html#Ar00612 |url-access=subscription |access-date=18 March 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=28 October 1930 |page=6}}
}}</ref> The 1927 act referred to the "Great Seal of the Realm" as opposed to the previously usual "Great Seal of the United Kingdom" on the basis that the latter designation was too narrow, ignoring the use of the seal in relation to other [[Dominion]]s of the [[British Commonwealth]].<ref>[https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1927/mar/09/royal-and-parliamentary-titles-bill#S5CV0203P0_19270309_HOC_317 ''Hansard'' HC Deb 09 March 1927 vol 203 c1264]</ref> [[Edward VIII]], who abdicated only a few months after succeeding to the throne, never selected a design for his own seal and continued to use that of his predecessor, [[George V]]. Only one matrix of the Great Seal exists at a time, and since the material used for the Great Seal has a high [[melting point]], the silver plates that cast the seal eventually wear out. The longer-lived British monarchs have had several Great Seals during their reigns, and [[Queen Victoria]] had to select four different Great Seal designs during her sixty-three years on the throne.<ref name="victoria">{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=16 February 2001 |title=New seal of approval for Queen |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1322849/New-seal-of-approval-for-Queen.html |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=2013-10-25}}</ref>

The last seal matrix of [[Elizabeth II]] was authorised by the Privy Council in July 2001.<ref name="current">{{cite web| title=Great Seal of the Realm| url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Symbols/Greatsealoftherealm.aspx| publisher=The Royal Household| date=2009| access-date=2013-10-25}}</ref> It was designed by [[James Butler (artist)|James Butler]] and replaced that of 1953, designed by [[Gilbert Ledward]]. The [[obverse]] shows the middle-aged [[Elizabeth II]] enthroned and robed, holding in her right hand a [[sceptre]] and in her left the [[Sovereign's Orb|orb]]. The circumscription is an abbreviated form of the [[List of titles and honours of Queen Elizabeth II#Royal titles|royal titles]] in {{Langx|la|{{smallcaps|elizabeth · {{abbreviation|ii|Secunda}} · {{abbreviation|d·g|Dei Gratia}}· {{abbreviation|britt|Britanniarum}}· regnorvmqve · svorvm · {{abbreviation|ceter|ceterorum}}· regina · consortionis · popvlorvm · princeps · {{abbreviation|f·d|Fidei Defensor}}·}}|lit=Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of [[the Britains]] and of her other realms Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith}}.<ref>In full: {{Lang|la|Elizabeth Secunda Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regnorumque Suorum Ceterorum Regina Consortionis Populorum Princeps Fidei Defensor}}. This is the official English form of the [[List of titles and honours of Queen Elizabeth II#Royal titles|royal title]] is slightly different: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.</ref> On the [[obverse and reverse|reverse]] are the full [[royal arms]], including crest, mantling and supporters. This is the first time that the royal arms have provided the main design for one side of the English or British Great Seal. The obverse of the 1953 version depicted the Queen on horseback, dressed in uniform and riding [[sidesaddle]], as she used to attend the annual [[Trooping the Colour]] ceremony for many years until the late 1980s. The seal's diameter is {{convert|6|in}}, and the combined weight of both sides of the seal matrix exceeds {{convert|275|ozt|lk=on}}. In May 2025, Charles III's Great Seal of the Realm was unveiled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-10 |title=King approves new sovereign seal|url= https://news.sky.com/story/king-approves-new-sovereign-seal-13364567 |website= Sky News}}</ref> It was approved for use by [[Order in Council]] on 6 May.<ref>{{cite web |title=An Order approving the new Great Seal of the Realm and Counter Seal. |url=https://privycouncil.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-05-06-New-Great-Seal.pdf |website=Privy Council Office}}</ref>

==Design==

The Great Seal is two-sided, with separate matrices for the obverse and reverse, the respective imprints of which are termed the seal and counterseal.{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|p=2|1887}} The (obverse) seal contains an image of the monarch enthroned, encircled with the style of the monarch, usually in Latin.{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|p=2|1887}} The counterseal usually contains an image of the monarch on horseback, encircled with either the same style of the monarch or a variant.{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|p=2|1887}} Counterseals having non-equestrian  images were that of Edward the Confessor (a variant of the seal image{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=2–5|1887}}); the second of Anne ([[Britannia]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=2, 115–116|1887}}); the first of George V (the king as an [[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral of the Fleet]]<ref name="rmint1911p17"/>); and the second of Elizabeth II and that of Charles III (the [[Coat of arms of the United Kingdom|royal arms]]<ref name="ButlerSeal"/>).

The Wafer Seal is single-sided embossing seal, the design of which is a shallow-relief copy of the obverse side of the Great Seal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Great Seals of the Realm — An Unbroken Tradition |url=https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/great-seals/great-seals/ |publisher=Royal Mint |access-date=24 December 2024}}</ref>

==Usage==

The Great Seal is attached to the official documents of state that require the authorisation of the monarch to implement the advice of [[His Majesty's Government]].

Under today's usage of the Great Seal, seals of dark [[green]] wax are affixed to [[letters patent]] elevating individuals to the [[peerage]], [[blue]] seals authorise actions relating to the [[royal family]], and [[Scarlet (color)|scarlet]] seals appoint bishops and implement various other affairs of state. In some cases the seal is replaced by a wafer version,<ref>{{cite web |title=Crown Office Act 1877, s. 4 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/40-41/41/section/4 |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]] |access-date=28 August 2021 |page=2}}</ref> a smaller representation of the obverse of the Great Seal embossed on coloured paper attached to the document being sealed.  This simpler version is used for royal proclamations, letters patent granting [[royal assent]] to legislation, writs of summons to Parliament, licences for the election of bishops, commissions of the peace, and many other documents.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Crown Office (Preparation and Authentication of Documents Rules) Order 1988, Sch. 1 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1988/1162/schedule/1/made |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]] |access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref>  It formerly constituted [[treason]] to [[forgery|forge]] the Great Seal.{{sfn|Maxwell Lyte|1926|p=1}}

The Great Seal of the Realm is in the custody of and is administered by the [[Lord Keeper of the Great Seal]]. This office has been held jointly with that of [[Lord Chancellor]] since 1761. The current Lord Chancellor is [[David Lammy]]. The [[Constitutional Reform Act 2005]] reiterates that the Lord Chancellor continues to be the custodian of the Great Seal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitutional Reform Act 2005, Sch. 1, para. 1 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/4/schedule/7/paragraph/1 |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]] |access-date=28 August 2021 |page=210}}</ref> Though, in the past, the Great Seal has been delivered to and remained in the custody of the Sovereign when it has been used to seal instruments that related to or granted gifts or emoluments to the Lord Chancellor.{{sfn|Maxwell Lyte|1926|pp=321–322}}

The [[Clerk of the Crown in Chancery]], who is also [[Permanent Secretary]] of the [[Ministry of Justice]], heads [[Crown Office in Chancery|His Majesty's Crown Office]], and is responsible for the affixing of the Great Seal. They are assisted by the Deputy Clerk of the Crown. Day-to-day custody is entrusted to the [[Clerk of the Chamber]], and subordinate staff include a Sealer and two [[Scribe]]s to His Majesty's Crown Office.

{{Infobox UK legislation
| short_title           = Great Seal Act 1884
| type                  = Act
| parliament            = Parliament of the United Kingdom
| long_title            = An Act to simplify the passing of Instruments under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom.
| year                  = 1884
| citation              = [[47 & 48 Vict.]] c. 30
| introduced_commons    = 
| introduced_lords      = 
| territorial_extent    = 
| royal_assent          = 28 July 1884
| commencement          = 
| expiry_date           = 
| repeal_date           = 
| amends                = 
| replaces              = 
| amendments            = {{ubli|[[Statute Law Revision Act 1898]]}}
| repealing_legislation = 
| related_legislation   = [[Crown Office Act 1877]]
| status                = Amended
| legislation_history   = 
| theyworkforyou        = 
| millbankhansard       = 
| original_text         = 
| revised_text          = 
| use_new_UK-LEG        = 
| UK-LEG_title          = Great Seal Act 1884
| collapsed             = 
}}
Section 2 of the '''{{visible anchor|Great Seal Act 1884}}''' ([[47 & 48 Vict.]] c. 30) governs the use of the Great Seal of the Realm:

{{boxquote|'''2 Authority for passing instrument under Great Seal.'''

(1) A warrant under Her Majesty's Royal Sign Manual, countersigned by the Lord Chancellor, or by one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, or by the Lord High Treasurer, or two of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, shall be a necessary and sufficient authority for passing any instrument under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, according to the tenor of such warrant; Provided that any instrument which may now be passed under the Great Seal by the fiat or under the authority or directions of the Lord Chancellor or otherwise without passing through any other office may continue to be passed as heretofore.

(2) The Lord Chancellor may from time to time make, and when made revoke and vary, regulations respecting the passing of instruments under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, and respecting the warrants for that purpose, and the preparation of such instruments and warrants, and every such warrant shall be prepared by the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery.

(3) No person shall make or prepare any warrant for passing any instrument under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom, or procure any instrument to be passed under that Seal otherwise than in manner provided by this Act or the Crown Office Act 1877; and any person who acts in contravention of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanour.}}

==Inscriptions on the Great Seal==
The Great Seal for each successive monarch is inscribed with the [[Style of the British sovereign|monarch's style]] (in [[Latin]]) on both sides of the seal.  Some of those used in the past are shown below.{{sfn|Wyon|Wyon|1887}}<ref>{{cite book  |first=J. Harvey |last=Bloom |author-link=James Harvey Bloom |chapter=Appendix: Table of inscriptions on the Great Seals |title=English Seals |series=The antiquary's books |location=London |publisher=Methuen |year=1906 |pages=[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc2.ark:/13960/t8qb9xp8c&view=2up&seq=273&skin=2021 247–253] |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc2.ark:/13960/t8qb9xp8c&view=2up&seq=9&skin=2021 }}</ref>  Where the inscriptions on both sides of the seal are identical, only one is given.  Where they are the same except for the use of abbreviations, the one with the fuller forms is given.  Where they are different, they are shown separated by a slash.

===Kingdom of England===
[[File:King John's seal (16264365113).jpg|thumb|right|The Great Seal of [[John,_King_of_England|King John]]]]
* [[Edward the Confessor]]. <small>SIGILLVM EADVVARDI ANGLORVM BASILEI</small>
** Seal of Edward, Sovereign of the English.
*[[William the Conqueror|William I]]. <small>HOC NORMANNORVM WILLELMVM NOSCE PATRONVM SI / HOC ANGLIS REGEM SIGNO FATEARIS EVNDEM</small>
** Know you this, William Patron of the Normans / By this sign recognise him King of the English
* [[William II of England|William II]]. <small>WILLELMVS DEI GRATIA REX ANGLORVM</small>
** William, by the grace of God, King of the English.
* [[Henry I of England|Henry I]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRATIA REX ANGLORVM / HENRICVS DEI GRATIA DVX NORMANNORVM</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, King of the English / Henry, by the grace of God, Duke of the Normans.
* [[Stephen of England|Stephen]]. <small>STEPHANVS DEI GRATIA REX ANGLORVM</small>
** Stephen, by the grace of God, King of the English.
* [[Henry II of England|Henry II]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRATIA REX ANGLORVM / HENR[ICVS] DEI GRA[TIA] DVX NORMANNORVM ET AQUIT[ANORVM] ET COM[ES] ANDEG[AVORVM]</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, King of the English / Henry, by the grace of God, Duke of the Normans and of the Aquitanians and Count of the Angevins.
* [[Richard I]]. <small>RICARDVS DEI GRATIA REX ANGLORVM / RICARDVS DEI GRATIA DVX NORMANNORVM ET AQUITANORVM ET COMES ANDEGAVORVM</small>
** Richard, by the grace of God, King of the English / Richard, by the grace of God, Duke of the Normans and of the Aquitanians and Count of the Angevins.
* [[John, King of England|John]]. <small>IOHANNES DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE ET DOMINVS HIBERNIE / IOH[ANNE]S DVX NORMANNIE ET AQUITANIE COMES ANDEGAVIE</small>
** John, by the grace of God, King of England and Lord of Ireland / John, Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine, Count of Anjou.
* [[Henry III of England|Henry III]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE DOMINVS HIBERNIE DVX AQUITANIE</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Aquitaine.
* [[Edward I]]. <small>EDWARDVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE DOMINVS HYBERNIE DVX AQUITANIE</small>
** Edward, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Aquitaine.
* [[Edward II]]. <small>EDWARDVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE DOMINVS HYBERNIE DVX AQUITANIE</small>
** Edward, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Aquitaine.
* [[Edward III]]. <small>EDWARDVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE D[OMI]N[V]S HIBERNIE ET AQUITANIE</small>
** Edward, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland and of Aquitaine.
* [[Richard II]]. <small>RICARDVS DEI GRACIA REX FRANCIE ET ANGLIE ET D[OMI]N[V]S HIBERNIE</small>
** Richard, by the grace of God, King of France and England and Lord of Ireland.
* [[Henry IV of England|Henry IV]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRACIA REX FRANCIE ET ANGLIE ET D[OMI]N[V]S HIBERNIE</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, King of France and England and Lord of Ireland.
* [[Henry V of England|Henry V]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRACIA REX FRANCIE ET ANGLIE ET D[OMI]N[V]S HIBERNIE / HENRICVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE ET FRANCIE ET DOMINUS HIBERNIE</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, King of France and England and Lord of Ireland / Henry, by the grace of God, King of England and France and Lord of Ireland.
* [[Henry VI of England|Henry VI]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRACIA FRANCORVM ET ANGLIE REX</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, of the French and of England, King.
* [[Edward IV]]. <small>EDWARDVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE & FRANCIE ET DOMINVS HIBERNIE</small>
** Edward, by the grace of God, King of England and France and Lord of Ireland.
* [[Richard III]]. <small>RICARDVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE ET FRANCIE ET DOMINVS HIBERNIE</small>
** Richard, by the grace of God, King of England and France and Lord of Ireland.
* [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]]. <small>HENRICVS DEI GRACIA REX ANGLIE ET FRANCIE ET DOMINVS HIBERNIE</small>
** Henry, by the grace of God, King of England and France and Lord of Ireland.
* [[Henry VIII]]. <small>HENRICVS OCTAV[V]S DEI GRATIA ANGLIE ET FRANCIE ET HIBERNIE REX FIDEI DEFE[N]SOR ET [IN] TER[R]A ECCLESIA[E] A[N]GLICANE ET HIBERNICE SVPREM[VM] CA[PVT]</small>
** Henry the Eighth, by the grace of God, of England and France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and on Earth, of the English and Irish Church, Supreme Head.
* [[Edward VI]]. <small>... EDWARDI SEXTI DEI GRATIA ANGLIE FRANCIE / ET HIBERNIE REX FIDEI DEFE[N]SOR ET IN TERRA ECCLESIE ANGLICANE ET HIBERNICE SVPREMVM CAPVT</small>
** ... of Edward the Sixth, by the grace of God of England, France / and of Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and on Earth, of the English and Irish Church, Supreme Head.
[[File:Great Seal of Queen Mary I of England (a).png|thumb|Seal of Mary I]]
* [[Mary I]]. <small>MARIA D[EI] G[RATIA] ANGLIE FRANCIE ET HIBERNIE REGINA EIVS NOMINIS PRIMA FIDEI DEFENSOR</small>
** Mary, by the grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, Queen, first of that name, Defender of the Faith.
* [[Philip of England|Philip]] and [[Mary I]]. <small>PHILIP ET MARIA D G REX ET REGINA ANGL HISPANIAR FRANC VTRIVSQ SICILE IERVSALEM ET HIB FIDEI DEFENSOR</small><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mernick.org.uk/seals/tudor/philipandmary.htm | title=Philip and Mary }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en/english-school/cotton-charter-xvi-4c-great-seal-of-philip-and-mary-bronze/bronze/asset/3318966 | title=Cotton Charter XVI 4C Great Seal of Philip and Mary (Bronze) }}</ref>
** Philip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England, the Spains, France, both Sicilies, Jerusalem and Ireland, Defender of the Faith
* [[Elizabeth I]]. <small>ELIZABETHA DEI GRACIA ANGLIE FRANCIE ET HIBERNIE REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR</small>
** Elizabeth, by the grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

=== Union of the Crowns ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Sovereign
!Period
!Latin inscriptions
!Translations
|-
|[[James VI and I]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=79–81|1887}}
|1st seal
19 July 1603–1605

2nd seal

1605–1625
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|iacobvs dei gracia angliæ scotiæ franciæ et hiberniæ rex fidei defensor}}}} (seal and counterseal)
|James, by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
| rowspan="8" |[[Charles I of England, Scotland, and Ireland|Charles I]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=82–90|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |1st seal
1625–1627
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs dei gratia magnæ britannie franciæ et hiberniæ rex fidei {{abbreviation|def|Fidei Defensor}} {{abbreviation|&c.|et cetera}}}}}}
| rowspan="2" |Charles, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs dei gratia magnæ britanniæ franciæ et hiberniæ rex fidei defensor  &c.}}}}  (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |2nd seal
1627–1640
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· carolvs · dei · gratia · angliæ · scotiæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor · 1627.}}}}
|Charles, by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, 1627.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs · dei · gratia · angliæ · scotiæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor ·}}}}(counterseal)
|Charles, by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
| rowspan="2" |3rd seal
1640 – May 1646
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor. 1640.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |Charles, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, 1640.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor. 16—40.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |4th seal
30 November 1643–7 February 1649
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor. 1643.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |Charles, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, 1643.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor. 16—43.}}}} (counterseal)
|}[[File:St Mary Magdalene, Croome, Worcs - Monument to 1st Baron Coventry (1578–1640) detail 3.JPG|thumb|Depiction of the Great Seal of the Realm (Charles I) on a 17th-century funerary monument ([[St Mary Magdalene's Church, Croome D'Abitot]], [[Worcestershire]])|center]]
===Interregnum===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Great Seal
!Period
!Inscriptions
!Translations
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[Commonwealth of England|Commonwealth]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=90–94|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |1st seal
8 February 1649–26 March 1651
| colspan="2" |{{smallcaps|the great seale of england 1648.}}
|-
| colspan="2" |{{smallcaps|in the first yeare of freedome by god's blessing restored, 1648.}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P312 Great Seal of the Commonwealth.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |2nd seal
26 March 1651–{{Circa|1658}} (1st period)

14 May 1659–28 May 1660 (2nd period)
| colspan="2" |{{smallcaps|the · great · seale · of · england · 1651.}}
|-
| colspan="2" |{{smallcaps|in · the · third · yeare · of · freedome · by · god's · blessing · restored · 1651.}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Oliver Cromwell]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=95–97|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |1st seal
1655–1657


2nd seal

1657–1659
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|magnum · sigillum · {{abbreviation|reipub|Republicæ}} · angliæ · scotiæ · et · hiberniæ · {{abbreviation|&{{superscript|cte.}}|et cetera}}}}}}
|The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|olivarius · dei · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|reip|Republicæ}} · angliæ · scotiæ · et · hiberniæ · {{abbreviation|&c|et cetera}} · protector ·}}}} (counterseal)
|Oliver, by the grace of God of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}, Protector.
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Richard Cromwell]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|p=98|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |1658–14 May 1659
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|magnum sigillum {{abbreviation|repub|Republicæ}} angliæ scotiæ et hiberniæ {{abbreviation|&{{superscript|cte}}|et cetera}}}}}}
|The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|richardus dei {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} {{abbreviation|republic|Republicæ}} angliæ scotiæ et hiberniæ {{abbreviation|&c|et cetera}} protector}}}} (counterseal)
|Richard, by the grace of God of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}, Protector.
|}

===Restoration===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Sovereign
!Great Seal
!Period
!Latin inscriptions
!Translations
|-
| rowspan="7" |[[Charles II of England|Charles II]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=102–108|1887}}
| 
|1st seal
1649–1651
| colspan="2" |''unknown''
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |2nd seal
1653–17 June 1663
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolus ii dei gratia magnæ britanniæ franciæ et {{abbreviation|hiber|Hiberniæ}} · rex fidei defensor · 1653.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |Charles II, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, 1653.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolus ii dei gratia magnæ britanniæ franciæ et hiberniæ rex fidei defensor · 1653.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |3rd seal
17 June 1663–19 April 1672
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolus · ii · dei · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ }} · {{abbreviation|britan|Britanniæ}} · {{abbreviation|fran|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · defensor · }}}}
| rowspan="2" |Charles II, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolus · ii · dei · gratia · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ }} · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |4th seal
19 April 1672–21 October 1685
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolvs · secundus · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ}} · {{abbreviation|bri|Britanniæ}} · {{abbreviation|fra|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · defensor.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |Charles the Second, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|carolus · secundus · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[James VII and II]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=108–109|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P510 Great Seal of James II.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |21 October 1685–10 December 1688
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|iacobus · secundus · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ}} · {{abbreviation|bri|Britanniæ}} · {{abbreviation|fra|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · defensor · {{abbreviation|&c|et cetera}}.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |James the Second, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|iacobus secundus dei gratia magnæ britanniæ franciæ et hiberniæ rex fidei defensor {{abbreviation|&c|et cetera}}.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[William III of England|William III]] and [[Mary II]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=109–111|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P12 Great Seal of William and Mary.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |1689–1695
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|gulielmus · iii · et · maria · ii · dei · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|ang|Angliæ}} · {{abbreviation|fra|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex · et · regina · fidei · defensores · {{abbreviation|&|et cetera}}}}}}
| rowspan="2" |William III and Mary II, by the grace of God of England, France, and Ireland King and Queen, Defenders of the Faith, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|{{abbreviation|gulielm|Gulielmus}} · iii · et · maria · ii · dei · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|ang}} · {{abbreviation|fra|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex et · regina · fidei · defensores · {{abbreviation|&|et cetera}}}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[William III of England|William III]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=112–113|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |1695–11 November 1702
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|gulielmus · iii · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|gra|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ}} · {{abbreviation|bri|Britanniæ}} · {{abbreviation|fra|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex · fidei · defensor · {{abbreviation|&c|et cetera}}.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |William III, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|gulielmus · iii · secundus · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor · {{abbreviation|&c|et cetera}}.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Anne, Queen of Great Britain|Anne]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=113–116|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P174 Great Seal of Queen Anne.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |1st seal
11 November 1702–1707
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· anna · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ ·  · franciæ ·  · et · hiberniæ · regina · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · defensor · {{abbreviation|etc|et cetera}}.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |Anne, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· anna · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ ·  · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · regina · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|def|Defensor}} · {{abbreviation|e{{superscript|tc}}|et cetera}}.}}}} (counterseal)
|}

===Kingdom of Great Britain===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Sovereign
!Great Seal
!Period
!Latin inscriptions
!Translations
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Anne, Queen of Great Britain|Anne]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=113–116|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P240 Great Seal of Queen Anne, after the Union of England and Scotland.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |2nd seal
1707–17 June 1715
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|anna · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · regina · fidei · defensor · {{abbreviation|etc|et cetera}}.}}}}
|Anne, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|britannia · anno · regnæ · annæ · reginæ · sexto.}}}} (counterseal)
|Britannia, in the sixth year of Queen Anne.
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[George I of Great Britain|George I]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=116–118|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P336 Great Seal of George I.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |17 June 1715–12 June 1728
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · {{abbreviation|defen|Defensor}}}}}}
|George, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, ...
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|{{abbreviation|brunswicen|Brunswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lunebergen|Lunebergensis}} · dux · sacri · romani · imperii · archithesaurarius · et · princeps · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}}}}} (counterseal)
|... of Brunswick and Lüneburg Duke, of the Holy Roman Empire Arch-treasurer and Prince-Elector, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[George II of Great Britain|George II]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=118–120|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:P420 Great Seal of George II.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |12 June 1728–3 August 1764
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius · ii · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ  franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex · fidei · defensor}}}}
|George II, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, ...
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|{{abbreviation|brunswicen|Brunswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lunebergen|Lunebergensis}} · dux · sacri · romani · imperii · archithesaurarius · et · princeps · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}}}}} (counterseal)
|... of Brunswick and Lüneburg Duke, of the Holy Roman Empire Arch-treasurer and Prince-Elector, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
| rowspan="6" |[[George III]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=120–128|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |1st seal
3 August 1764–23 March 1784
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius · iii · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex· fidei · defensor}}}}
|George III, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, ...
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|{{abbreviation|brvnswicen|Brvnswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lvnebvrgen|Lvnebvrgensis}} · dvx · sacri · romani · imperii · archithesavrarivs · et · princeps · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}}}}} (counterseal)
|... of Brunswick and Lüneburg Duke, of the Holy Roman Empire Arch-treasurer and Prince-Elector, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |2nd seal
25 March 1784–15 April 1785
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius · iii · dei · gratia · magnæ · britanniæ · franciæ · et · hiberniæ · rex· fidei · defensor}}}}
|George III, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, ...
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|{{abbreviation|brvnswicen|Brvnswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lvnebvrgen|Lvnebvrgensis}} · dvx · sacri · romani · imperii · archithesavrarivs · et · princeps · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}}}}} (counterseal)
|... of Brunswick and Lüneburg Duke, of the Holy Roman Empire Arch-treasurer and Prince-Elector, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |3rd seal
15 April 1785–1 January 1801
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgivs · iii · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|g|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ}} · {{abbreviation|brit|Britanniæ}} · {{abbreviation|fr|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex· {{abbreviation|f|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|d|Defensor}} · {{abbreviation|brvns|Brvnswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lvn|Lvnebvrgensis}} · dvx · {{abbreviation|s|Sacri}} · {{abbreviation|r|Romani}} · {{abbreviation|i|Imperii}} · {{abbreviation|a · t|Archithesavrarivs}} · et · {{abbreviation|pr|Princeps}} · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}}}}}
| rowspan="2" |George III, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, of Brunswick and Lüneburg Duke, of the Holy Roman Empire Arch-treasurer and Prince-Elector, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgivs · iii · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|g|Gratia}} · {{abbreviation|mag|Magnæ}} · {{abbreviation|brit|Britanniæ}} · {{abbreviation|fr|Franciæ}} · et · {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniæ}} · rex· {{abbreviation|f|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|d|Defensor}} · {{abbreviation|brvns|Brvnswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lvn|Lvnebvrgensis}} · dvx · {{abbreviation|s|Sacri}} · {{abbreviation|r|Romani}} · {{abbreviation|i|Imperii}} · {{abbreviation|a · t|Archithesavrarivs}} · et · {{abbreviation|pr|Princeps}} · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}}}}} (counterseal)
|}

===United Kingdom===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Sovereign
!Great Seal
!Period
!Latin inscriptions
!Translations
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[George III]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=120–128|1887}}
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |4th seal
1 January 1801–1 August 1815
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgivs iii · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|g|Gratia}} · britanniarvm · rex · {{abbreviation|f|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|d|Defensor}} · {{abbreviation|brvns|Brvnswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lvn|Lvnebvrgensis}} · dvx {{abbreviation|s|Sacri}} · {{abbreviation|r|Romani}} · {{abbreviation|i|Imperii}} · {{abbreviation|a · t|Archithesavrarivs}} · et · {{abbreviation|pr|Princeps}} · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}.}}}}
| rowspan="2" |George III, by the grace of God of the Britains King, Defender of the Faith, of Brunswick and Lüneburg Duke, of the Holy Roman Empire Arch-treasurer and Prince-Elector, {{Lang|la|et cetera}}.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgivs iii · {{abbreviation|d|Dei}} · {{abbreviation|g|Gratia}} · britanniarvm · rex · {{abbreviation|f|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|d|Defensor}} · {{abbreviation|brvns|Brvnswicensis}} · et · {{abbreviation|lvn|Lvnebvrgensis}} · dvx {{abbreviation|s|Sacri}} · {{abbreviation|r|Romani}} · {{abbreviation|i|Imperii}} · {{abbreviation|a · t|Archithesavrarivs}} · et · {{abbreviation|pr|Princeps}} · {{abbreviation|elect|Elector}} · {{abbreviation|et{{superscript|c}}|et cetera}}.}}}} (counterseal)
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |5th seal
1 August 1815–17 September 1821
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· georgius · tertius · dei · gratia · britanniarum · rex · fidei · defensor.}}}}
|George the Third, by the grace of God of the Britains King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|et in terra ecclesiæ anglicanæ et hibernicæ supremum caput.}}}} (counterseal)
|and, on Earth, of the Anglican and Hibernican Church the Supreme Head.
|-
|[[George IV]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=129–131|1887}}
|
|17 September 1821–31 August 1831
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· georgius · quartus · dei · gratia · britanniarum · rex · fidei · defensor.}}}}
|George the Fourth, by the grace of God of the Britains King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|[[William IV]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=131–132|1887}}
|
|31 August 1831–18 July 1838
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· guilielmus · quartus · dei · gratia · britanniarum · rex · fidei · defensor.}}}}
|William the Fourth, by the grace of God of the Britains King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[Queen Victoria|Victoria]]{{Sfn|Wyon|Wyon|pp=133–136|1887}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=1900 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1899 Volume No.30 |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1899-volume-no30 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |pages=17–18 |language=en}}</ref>
|
|1st seal
18 July 1838–23 January 1860
| rowspan="3" |{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· victoria · dei · gratia · britanniarum · regina · fidei · defensor}}}}
| rowspan="3" |Victoria, by the grace of God of the Britains Queen, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|
|2nd seal
23 January 1860–14 August 1878
|-
|
|3rd seal
14 August 1878–1899
|-
|[[File:Seal charter Cathedral Saint Alban 1900.jpg|100x100px]]
|4th seal
1899–1904
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|· victoria · dei · gratia · britanniarum · regina · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|def|Defensor}} · {{abbreviation|ind|Indiæ}} · {{abbreviation|imp|Imperatrix}} ·}}}}
|Victoria, by the grace of God of the Britains Queen, Defender of the Faith; of India, Empress.
|-
|[[Edward VII]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=1905 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1904 Volume No.35 |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1904-volume-no35/1795391 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |pages=16–17 |language=en}}</ref>
|
|1904–13 February 1912
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|edwardvs vii {{abbreviation|d:g:|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|britt|Britanniarvm}}: et terrarvm {{abbreviation|transmar|transmarinarvm}}: qvæ in {{abbreviation|dit|ditione}}: svnt {{abbreviation|brit|Britannica}}: rex {{abbreviation|f:d:|Fidei Defensor}} {{abbreviation|ind|Indiæ}}: {{abbreviation|imp|Imperator}}}}:}}
|Edward VII, by the grace of God of the Britains and of the lands across the sea which are in the British Dominion King, Defender of the Faith; of India, Emperor.
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[George V]]<ref name="rmint1911p17">{{Cite web |date=1912 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1911 Volume No.42 |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1911-volume-no42/1795780 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |pages=17–18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1930 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1929 Volume No.60 |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1929-volume-no60/1797404 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |pages=7–8 |language=en}}</ref>
|
|1st seal
13 February 1912–28 March 1930
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgivs v {{abbreviation|d:g:|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|britt|Britanniarum}}: et terrarvm {{abbreviation|transmar|transmarinarvm}}: qvæ in {{abbreviation|dit|ditione}}: svnt {{abbreviation|brit|Britannica}}: rex {{abbreviation|f:d:|Fidei Defensor}} {{abbreviation|ind|Indiæ}}: {{abbreviation|imp|Imperator}}}}:}}
|George V, by the grace of God of the Britains and of the lands across the sea which are in the British Dominion King, Defender of the Faith; of India, Emperor.
|-
|[[File:Great Seal of the Realm - George V.jpg|100x100px]][[File:Great Seal of the Realm - George V - Dieu et mon droit.jpg|100x100px]]
|2nd seal
28 March 1930–28 February 1938
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgivs· v· {{abbreviation|d·g·|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|mag|Magnae}}· {{abbreviation|br|Britanniae}}· {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniae}}· et {{abbreviation|terr|terrarvm}}· {{abbreviation|transmar|transmarinarvm}}· qvae· in· {{abbreviation|dit|ditione}}· svnt· {{abbreviation|brit|Britannica}}· rex· {{abbreviation|f·d·|Fidei Defensor}} {{abbreviation|ind|Indiae}}· {{abbreviation|imp|Imperator}}}}·}}
|George V, by the grace of God of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Lands across the sea which are in the British Dominion King, Defender of the Faith; of India, Emperor.
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[George VI]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=1938 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1937 Volume No.68 |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1937-volume-no68 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |pages=6–7 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="change1948">{{Cite book |date=1938 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1948 Volume No.79 |access-date=2024-12-15 |via=The Royal Mint Museum |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1948-volume-no79/ |pages=[https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1948-volume-no79/1798523 8], [https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1948-volume-no79/1798444-royal-mint-annual-report-1948-volume-no79-image-16 24] |language=en}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |1st seal{{#tag:ref|The revision of the royal style consequent on the [[Indian Independence Act 1947]] did not result in the design of an entirely new Great Seal; instead, [[Percy Metcalfe]] recut the inscription on [[George Kruger Gray]]'s 1938 model for the existing seal. The counterseal was unchanged.<ref name="change1948"/>|group="n"|name="george6india"}}
28 February 1938–February 1948
| {{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius· vi· {{abbreviation|d·g·|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|mag|Magnae}}· {{abbreviation|br|Britanniae}}· {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniae}}· &· {{abbreviation|terr|terrarum}}· {{abbreviation|transmar|transmarinarvm}}· quae· in· {{abbreviation|dit|ditione}}· sunt· {{abbreviation|brit|Britannica}}· rex· {{abbreviation|f·d·|Fidei Defensor}} {{abbreviation|ind|Indiae}}· {{abbreviation|imp|Imperator}}}}·}}
|George VI, by the grace of God of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Lands across the sea which are in the British Dominion, King, Defender of the Faith; of India, Emperor.
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius vi: {{abbreviation|d:g:|Dei Gratia}} rex}}}} (counterseal)
| rowspan="2" |George VI, by the grace of God King.
|-
| rowspan="2" |
| rowspan="2" |2nd seal<ref group="n" name="george6india"/>
February 1948–1953
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|georgius· vi· {{abbreviation|d·g·|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|mag|Magnae}}· {{abbreviation|br|Britanniae}}· {{abbreviation|hib|Hiberniae}}· &· {{abbreviation|terr|terrarum}}· {{abbreviation|transmar|transmarinarvm}}· quae· in· {{abbreviation|dit|ditione}}· sunt· {{abbreviation|brit|Britannica}}· rex· fidei· {{abbreviation|def|Defensor}}·}}}}
|George VI, by the grace of God of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Lands across the sea which are in the British Dominion, King, Defender of the Faith.
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Elizabeth II]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=1954 |title=Royal Mint Annual Report 1953 Volume No.84 |url=https://library.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/archive/royal-mint-annual-reports/royal-mint-annual-report-1953-volume-no84/1798625 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |pages=13–15 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Great Seal of the Realm |url=https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/collection/seals/great-seal-of-the-realm/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="ButlerSeal">{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=James |author-link=James Butler (artist) |title=The Making of the Great Seal |url=https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/journal/curators-corner/the-making-of-the-great-seal/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Royal Mint Museum |language=en-GB}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Reverse of the Great Seal of the Realm 1953.jpg|100x100px]]
| rowspan="2" |1st seal
1953–18 July 2001
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|elizabeth· ii· {{abbreviation|d·g·|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|britt|Britanniarvm}}· regnorvmqve svorvmqve {{abbreviation|ceter|ceterorvm}}· regina consortionis popvlorvm princeps {{abbreviation|f·d|Fidei Defensor}}🕂}}}} (obverse)
|Elizabeth II, by the grace of God of the Britains and of her other realms Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|elizabeth · ii · dei · gratia · britann·iarvm · regina · fidei· defensor}}}} (reverse)
|Elizabeth II, by the grace of God of the Britains Queen, Defender of the Faith.
|-
| 
|2nd seal
18 July 2001–2025
|{{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|elizabeth · ii · {{abbreviation|d·g·|Dei Gratia}} {{abbreviation|britt|Britanniarvm}} · regnorvmqve · svorvmqve {{abbreviation|ceter|ceterorvm}} · regina · consortionis · popvlorvm · princeps · {{abbreviation|f·d|Fidei Defensor}}}}}}
|Elizabeth II, by the grace of God of the Britains and of her other realms Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
|-
|[[Charles III]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-10 |title=King approves new sovereign seal|url= https://news.sky.com/story/king-approves-new-sovereign-seal-13364567 |website= Sky News}}</ref>
| [[File:Great Seal of the Realm Charles III Obverse.png]]
|6 May 2025–present
| {{Lang|la|{{smallcaps|charles · iii · dei · gratia · britanniarvm · regnorvmqve · svorvmqve ceterorvm · rex · consortionis · popvlorvm · princeps · {{abbreviation|fid|Fidei}} · {{abbreviation|def|Defensor}}}}}} <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-10 |title=His Majesty King Charles III's New Great Seal unveiled |url= https://www.royalmint.com/aboutus/press-centre/his-majesty-king-charles-iiis-new-great-seal-unveiled/ |website= The Royal Mint |language=en}}</ref>
|Charles III, by the grace of God of the Britains and of his other realms King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
|}

==See also==
* [[Great Seal]]
* [[Great Seal of Northern Ireland]]
* [[Great Seal of Scotland]]
* [[Welsh Seal]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|group="n"}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* {{Cite book |last=Bedos-Rezak |first=Brigitte |year=1986 |chapter=The King Enthroned, a New Theme in Anglo-Saxon Royal Iconography: The Seal of Edward the Confessor and Its Political Implications |editor-first=J. T. |editor-last=Rosenthal |title=Kings and Kingship |location=Binghamton, NY |publisher=Center for Medieval and Early Renaissance Studies, State University of New York |pages=53–88 }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Harvey |first1=P. D. A. |first2=Andrew |last2=McGuinness |year=1996 |title=A Guide to British Medieval Seals |publisher=British Library and Public Record Office |location=London |isbn=0-7123-0410-X |pages=27–34 }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Jenkinson |first=Hilary |author-link=Hilary Jenkinson |year=1936a |title=The Great Seal of England: deputed or departmental seals |journal=Archaeologia |volume=85 |pages=293–340 |doi=10.1017/s026134090001523x}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Jenkinson |first=Hilary |author-link=Hilary Jenkinson |year=1936b |title=The Great Seal of England: some notes and suggestions |journal=Antiquaries Journal |volume=16 |pages=8–28 |doi=10.1017/s0003581500011355|s2cid=162671803 }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Jenkinson |first=Hilary |author-link=Hilary Jenkinson |year=1938 |title=A new seal of Henry V |journal=Antiquaries Journal |volume=18 |pages=382–90 |doi=10.1017/s0003581500015547|s2cid=159578757 }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Jenkinson |first=Hilary |author-link=Hilary Jenkinson |date=1953 |title=The Great Seal of England |journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Arts |volume=101 |pages=550–63 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Maxwell Lyte |first=Sir Henry C. |author-link=Henry Maxwell Lyte |year=1926 |title=Historical Notes on the Use of the Great Seal of England |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015008927983&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021 |place=London |publisher=HMSO }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Perceval |first=R. W. |year=1948 |title=The Great Seal |journal=Parliamentary Affairs |volume=1 |issue=4 |pages=40–46 }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Wyon |first1=Alfred Benjamin |last2=Wyon |first2=Allan |year=1887 |title=The Great Seals of England: From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, Arranged and Illustrated with Descriptive and Historical Notes |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.35112204867255&seq=15&view=1up |publisher=[[Elliot Stock]] |location=London |author-link2=Allan Wyon }}

==External links==
{{Sister project auto}}
{{NIE Poster|Great Seal}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041016102211/http://www.royal.gov.uk/OutPut/Page323.asp Great Seal] at British monarchy website
* [http://yeomenoftheguard.com/great_seals_of_state.htm Great Seals of State]
* [https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/learning/features/queen-elizabeth-ii-and-scotland mould (matrix) used to make Great Seal of Scotland @ Queen Elizabeth II and Scotland webpage]

[[Category:1707 establishments in Great Britain]]
[[Category:1801 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Constitution of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:English law]]
[[Category:Monarchy of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:National seals|Realm, Greate Seal of the]]