The heraldic artist responsible for King Charles’ cypher is set to be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Tim Noad expressed that he was “over the moon” and “incredibly proud” upon receiving a letter announcing his accolade, which was stamped with his own custom monogram featuring the King’s initials alongside a crown.

Mr. Noad is being honored with an MBE for his contributions to calligraphy, heraldry, and design as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.

At 58 years of age and hailing from Ickenham, Hillingdon, he remarked, “My name isn’t often linked to my work, and it seems to be becoming more common these days; however, traditionally, the type of work I engage in has typically remained anonymous.”

Having spent 39 years at the College of Arms, Mr. Noad was selected to create ten different cypher designs for the King to choose from for his monogram.

He experimented with various styles while developing his proposals.

“I explored a range of fonts, including some that were more cursive and italicized, along with others that were more fluid and ornate,” he shared.

“Ultimately, I also presented a Roman style, which was the design used for the former Queen, and that was the one that was ultimately selected.”

He had some reservations about limited prospects in heraldry following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

“However, it has turned out to be an entirely new realm of design opportunities and fantastic commissions for me,” he added.

Mr. Noad’s fascination with heraldry, which entails creating coats of arms, began in his youth when he joined his local heraldry society at the age of 12 and started taking art classes with a College of Arms artist.

He later pursued studies in calligraphy, heraldry, and illumination at Reigate College before securing a position at the College of Arms.

In addition to his work at the College, he freelances and offers heraldry courses. He has also conducted workshops and classes for children and young individuals, aiming to pass on the less commonly known craft to new generations.

Among his noteworthy creations is the Stole Royal worn by the King during his coronation.

He also designed the late Queen’s jubilee medals for her golden, diamond, and platinum anniversaries, along with the exquisitely crafted “instrument of consent” that the Queen penned to formally authorize the marriage of William and Kate, now the Prince and Princess of Wales, in 2011.

When asked about his greatest achievement, Mr. Noad replied that it “certainly has to be the royal cypher.”

“I never anticipated that it would be reproduced so extensively when I crafted it,” he noted.

“It has become quite distinctive, nearly iconic, symbolizing the King in a profound way. Indeed, it will be remembered throughout history.”