For most people—especially in the digital age—a signature is a utilitarian tool, used after swiping a card at checkout or agreeing to a contract. But for the royal family, autographs are a big part of the job, whether they’re leaving their mark in a decades-old guestbook or adding a personal touch to an important thank you note.
So what kinds of signatures have they composed, and kept consistent for years or decades? Here, the Windsors’ autographs, from Queen Elizabeth’s classic mark to Kate Middleton’s curvy cursive.
Queen Elizabeth
Many let their signatures devolve into a line or two as they age—but not the nearly-94-year-0ld British monarch.
Prince Philip
Philip’s autograph has a surprisingly neat and loopy appearance.
Prince Charles
Charles makes every letter as narrow as possible, making for a uniform mark.
The Duchess of Cornwall
Unlike her husband, Camilla gives precedence to the first letter in her name.
Prince William
William has perhaps the most stylized, least legible signature in the royal family.
The Duchess of Cambridge
Although she’s still largely known to her fans as “Kate,” these days, the Duchess introduces herself (and signs guestbooks) as Catherine.
Prince Harry
Harry keeps it simple, letting the last for letters of his name flow in a line.
The Duchess of Sussex
Meghan actually boasts professional calligraphy experience, so it’s hardly surprising that her autograph would be so well-composed. (“There was not a single mistake, it was truly perfect, impeccable, and I remember being in awe of her,” Paula Patton, whose wedding invitations were done by the Duchess, once told Town & Country.)