The King’s and Queen’s Messenger badges

Where the greyhound comes from

During Charles II’s exile in the 1650s his messengers needed a way to identify themselves to supporters in England. The King is said to have broken four silver greyhounds from a decorative platter and given one to each man. That is the reason the silver greyhound is still in the design.

The badge itself is an oval silver-gilt frame carrying the Royal Cypher of the reigning monarch, CIII R for King Charles III. A silver greyhound at full stretch hangs from the bottom of the frame, and the Royal Arms are enamelled within the Garter motto.

As Royal Warrant holder, Cleave & Company drew and made the new badge when the cypher changed from Queen’s Messenger to King’s Messenger in 2023.

How we made the change

A change of monarch changes the cypher. The frame has a fixed area to hold it, so the whole balance of the oval shifts when CIII R replaces EIIR. We drew two versions in July 2023 and worked from there, and both of those drawings are among the photographs below.

The badge began as a passkey that gave a messenger immediate passage and diplomatic protection, and it is still Crown property: issued on appointment, and returned to the Lord Chamberlain’s Office when the messenger retires or dies. Off duty, messengers wear an official tie with a small silver greyhound repeated on a blue ground.