Letters Patent (United Kingdom)

Letters Patent (always in the plural and with both first letters capitalized; abbreviated to LsP by the Crown Office), in the United Kingdom, are legal instruments generally issued by the monarch granting an office, right, title (in the peerage and baronetage), or status to a person (and sometimes in regards to corporations and cities). Letters Patent have also been used for the creation of corporations or offices, for granting city status, for granting coat of arms and for granting royal assent.
Patents are prepared by the Crown Office; the name of the clerk of the Crown in Chancery is subscribed/printed at the end of all documents as a way of authentication of their having passed through the Crown Office.
The form of Letters Patent have been disclosed by the Crown Office in as "pro forma" texts, and have been compiled here. The Ministry of Justice has said in the past that there are 92 unique types of Letters, though in reality there is much more than that. The text of Letters Patent can be altered for specification in certain situations, though the following texts are the general basis for draft.
Terminology.
In appointing a person to an office through Letters Patent, there are 3 documents involved:
These documents are not always given to the appointee. Letters Patent come at a cost for the appointee should he wish to receive an illustrated document prepared by the scribes at the Crown Office, but is otherwise entitled to receive a text-only version for free. The Patent Roll entry is exclusively held by the National Archives and is not given to the appointee.
Patents, most notably before the 20th century, were granted with special conditions. The following methods were mainly used in regards to the appointment of individuals to offices, whose purpose was to allow the holder to pick his successor.
Types of Letters Patent.
Persons may be removed of an office through Letters Patent, though this process is reserved for offices that were granted through patents in the first place. Modern patents, instead of requiring this form be issued, state that the grantee shall replace the present holder of the office in question.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas on the XX day of XX XX thousand and XX We of Our especial grace and favour conferred XX upon XX as a XX Now Know Ye that We of Our certain knowledge and mere motion do hereby cancel and annul the XX conferred upon the said XX as a XX together with all rights precedences privileges and advantages to the same degree title honour and dignity belonging or appertaining thereto In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Peerage and Baronetage.
Peerages: Peerages may be created for individuals for life, and until recently, as hereditary peerages with specific remainders. The ranks of the peerage are, in descending order, duke and duchess, marquess and marchioness, earl and countess, viscount and viscountess, and baron and baroness.
"Elizabeth by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all Lords Spiritual and Temporal and all other Our Subjects whatsoever to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Know Ye that We of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion in pursuance of the Life Peerages Act 1958 and of all other powers in that behalf Us enabling do by these Presents advance create and prefer Our trusty and well beloved [Counsellor] XX to the state degree style dignity title and honour of [Baron/Baroness] XX [of XX] of XX in XX And for Us Our heirs and successors do appoint give and grant unto [him/her] the said name state degree style dignity title and honour of [Baron/Baroness] XX [of X] to have and to hold unto him for [his/her] life Willing and by these Presents granting of Us Our heirs and successors that [he/she] may have hold and posses a seat and voice in the Parliaments and Public Assemblies and Councils of Us Our heirs and successors within Our United Kingdom amongst the Barons And also that he may enjoy and use all the rights privileges pre-eminences immunities and advantages to the degree of a Baron duly and rights belonging which Barons of Our United Kingdom have heretofore used and enjoyed as they do at present use an enjoy In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Baronetcies: Baronets and baronetesses are not part of the peerage but hold the styles of "sir" and "dame" as applicable. They rank immediately below the barons and baronesses but above knights and dames of the various orders of chivalry within the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Know Ye that We of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion do by these Presents erect appoint and create Our XX to the dignity state and degree of a Baronet And for Us Our heirs and successors do appoint give and grant unto him the said name state degree style dignity title and honour of Baronet unto him and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten and to be begotten Willing and by these Presents granting for Us Our heirs and successors that he and his heirs male aforesaid may enjoy and use all the rights privileges precedences and advantages to the degree of a Baronet duly and right belonging which Baronets of Our United Kingdom do at present use and enjoy In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
HM Government.
Commissioners of the Great Seal: The Great Seal Act 1688 provided for the office of Lord Chancellor to be put in commission, and since the office held custody of the Great Seal of the Realm, the said custody had to be vested upon Lord Commissioners. The Lord Chancellor position is now held by the Secretary of State for Justice and thus no Lord Commissioners have been appointed since the 19th century.
"Not yet transcribed."
Lords Commissioners of the Treasury: The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury are nowadays appointed through Letters Patent as a group, with the first person named within the patent being the First Lord of the Treasury, and the second being the Second Lord of the Treasury; the rest of the persons named assume office as junior Lords. There used to be different patents for the First, Second and Junior Lords of the Treasury.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellors XX and XX Our trusty and well beloved XX Greeting Whereas We did by Our Our Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Our Realm bearing date at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign constitute and appoint the persons therein named to be during Our pleasure Commissioners of Our Treasury of Our United Kingdom as therein mentioned Now Know Ye that We Do by these Presents revoke the said Letters Patent And Further Know Ye that We trusting in your wisdom and fidelity of Our especial grace Do constitute and appoint you to be during Our pleasure Commissioners of Our Treasury of Our United Kingdom and to do and perform all things whatsoever which might have heretofore been done and performed by the late Commissioners of Our Treasury of Our United Kingdom And to that end and purpose We Do by these Presents Give and Grant unto you Our said Commissioners full power and authority immediately from henceforth from time to time during the vacancy of the Office of Lord High Treasurer of Our United Kingdom to confirm and approve of all those Orders and Warrants which have been already signed by the late Commissioners of Our Treasury of Our United Kingdom and which are remaining unexecuted And which unto you shall seem reasonable and for Our Service and to cause the same to be duly executed And also to perform and execute all acts and things whatsoever which heretofore might or ought to have been performed by the late Commissioners of Our Treasury of Our United Kingdom in as ample manner and as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes as such Commissioners heretofore have done or might have done by virtue of any power or authority to them belonging or of any Act of Parliament Law Usage or Custom And We Do Hereby Require And Authorise Our Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain or Our Keeper of the Great Seal of Our Realm or Our Commissioners for the Custody of the Great Seal of Our Realm and all other officers and persons whatsoever for the time being whom these Presents shall or may in anywise concern to give full allowance of all things to be done by your Our said Commissioners or any two or more of you according to Our pleasure hereinbefore declared In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Attorney General for England and Wales:
"Not yet transcribed."
Solicitor General for England and Wales:
"Not yet transcribed."
Registrar General for England and Wales:
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas by the Registration Service Act 1953 as amended by the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 it is lawful for Us from time to time under the Great Seal of Our Realm to appoint a Registrar General for England and Wales And Wales And Whereas by Our Letters Patent under the said Great Seal We did appoint Our trusty and well beloved XX to be such Registrar General And Whereas the said XX has resigned from that Office and the same is now vacant Now Know Ye that We by virtue of the powers vested in Us by the said Acts have nominated and appointed and by these Presents do nominate and appoint Our trusty and well beloved XX to be Registrar General for England and Wales To have hold enjoy exercise and occupy the said Office for and during Our Pleasure the same to be used and exercised according to the provisions of the aforesaid Act of Parliament together with all profits privileges and advantages whatsoever to the same Office in anywise belonging or appertaining In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Lord Chancellor's pension:
"Not yet transcribed."
Devolved nations.
First Minister of Scotland: as the leader of the Scottish Government, the First Minister chairs the Scottish Cabinet and serves as the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. The First Minister is nominated by the Scottish Parliament from among its members, and is formally appointed by the monarch.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to Our trusty and Well Beloved XX Greeting! WHEREAS the said XX has been nominated by the Scottish Parliament from among the members of the Parliament to be the Firs tMinister of the Scottish Government; NOW, therefore, We, in accordance with the provisions of section 45(1) of the Scotland Act 1998, hereby appoint the said XX to the Office of First Minister of the Scottish Government during Our pleasure; IN WITNESS WHEREOF We have ordered the Seal appointed by the Treaty of Union to be kept and made of in place of the Great Seal of Scotland to be appended hereto. Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace this XX day of XX Two thousand and XX in the XX Year of Our Reign.
"PER SIGNATURAM MANU SON REGINAE SUPRA SCRIPTAM"
Church of England.
Archbishop of Canterbury:
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To the Most Reverend Father in God Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellor XX by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of York Primate of England and Metropolitan the Right Reverend Father in God Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellor XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of London the Right Reverend Fathers in God Our right trusty and well beloved XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Winchester XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Salisbury XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Worcester XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Rochester XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Lincoln XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Leicester XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Norwich or to any four or more of you Greeting Whereas the Archiepiscopal See of Canterbury being vacant by the resignation of the Right Reverend Father in God Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellor XX lately Archbishop thereof Upon the humble Petition of the College of Canons of Our Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ Canterbury We have by Our Letters Patent granted them Our leave and licence to choose another Archbishop and Pastor And the said College of Canons by virtue of Our said leave and licence have chosen for themselves and the said Church the Right Reverend Father in God Our right trusty and well beloved XX by Divine Providence Lord Bishop of XX to be their Archbishop and Pastor as by their Letters sealed with their Seal directed to Us thereupon does more fully appear We accepting of such Election have given Our Royal Assent thereto and this We signify unto you by these Presents Requiring and Commanding you by the faith and allegiance by which you stand bound to Us that you or any four or more of you do confirm the aforesaid Election and that you do perform and execute with diligence favour and effect all and singular other things which belong to your Pastoral Office according to the Laws and Statutes of England in this behalf made and provided In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Archbishop of York:
"To the Most Reverend Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellor XX by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of All England and Metropolitan the Right Reverends Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellor XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of London Our right trusty and well beloved XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Winchester XX by Divine Providence Lord Bishop of Durham XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Carlisle XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Blackburn XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Manchester or to any four or more of you Greeting Whereas the Archiepiscopal See of York being lately vacant by the resignation of the Most Reverend Our right trusty and well beloved Counsellor XX lately Archbishop thereof Upon the humble petition of the College of Canons of Our Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York We have by Our Letters Patent granted them Our leave and licence to choose another Archbishop and Pastor And the said College of Canons by virtue of Our said leave and licence have chosen for themselves and the said Church the Right Reverend Our right trusty and well beloved XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of XX to be their Archbishop and Pastor as by their Letters sealed with their Seal directed to Us thereupon does more fully appear We accepting of such Election have given Our Royal Assent thereto and this We signify unto you by these Presents Requiring and Commanding you by the faith and allegiance by which you stand bound to Us that you or any four or more of you do confirm the aforesaid Election and that you do perform and execute with diligence favour and effect all and singular other things which belong to your pastoral office according to the Laws and Statutes of England in this behalf made and provided In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Rector of East Barnet
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To the Right Reverend Father in God Our right trusty and well beloved XX by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of St Albans or in his absence to his Vicar-General in Spirituals or to any other person or persons having or that shall have sufficient authority in this behalf Greeting We present unto you by these Presents Our beloved in XX Clerk in Holy Orders to the Rectory of East Barnet in Greater London and in you Diocese now legally void by the resignation of the last Incumbent thereof and to Our presentation in full right Commanding and Requiring you so far as relates to you to admit the said XX to the Rectory of East Barnet aforesaid and him there to institute induct and invest with all and every the rights members and appurtenances thereunto belonging and to do all and singular other matters and things in anywise touching or concerning the admission institution and induction aforesaid which to your pastoral office belongeth or appertaineth In Testimony whereof We cause these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign
Judiciary.
Lord of Appeal in Ordinary:
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas XX has resigned his Office of a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and the same is now vacant Now Know Ye that We of Our especial grace have in pursuance of the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876 as amended by subsequent enactments nominated and appointed and by these Presents Do nominate and appoint XX to be a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary by the style of Baron XX To hold the said Office so long as he shall well behave himself therein subject to the provisions in the said Act mentioned with all wages profits privileges rank and precedence whatsoever to the said Office belonging or in anywise appertaining and to hold the said style of Baron unto him the said XX during his life In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Queen's Counsel learned in the Law
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Know ye that We of Our especial grace have constituted ordained and appointed Our trusty and well beloved XX one of Our Counsel learned in the Law [honoris causa] And We have also given and granted unto him as one of Our Counsel aforesaid precedence at Law in accordance with that Office We Will that this Our Grant shall not lessen any Office by Us or by Our Ancestors heretofore given or granted In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourselves at Westminster the twenty-fifth day of November in the first year of Our Reign"
Local government.
City status: this honour is granted to a select group of communities, although it carries no special rights outside of the prestige and pride that comes along with it.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas We for divers good causes and considerations Us thereunto moving are graciously pleased to confer on the Town of XX in Our County of the status of a City Now Therefore Know Ye that We of Our especial grace and favour and mere motion do by these Presents ordain declare and direct that the Town of XX shall henceforth have the status of a City and shall have all such rank liberties privileges and immunities as are incident to a City In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Parliament.
Comptroller and Auditor General:
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas we did by Letters Patent under the Great Seal bbearing date at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign nominate and appoint Our trusty and well beloved XX to be Comptroller General of the Receipt and Issue of Our Exchequer and Auditor General of Public Accounts And Whereas the said XX has retired and an address has been presented to Us by Our House of Commons praying that We appoint Our trusty and well beloved XX to the said Office Now Know Ye that We trusting in the wisdom and fidelity of the said XX Do by these Presents nominate and appoint him to be Our Comptroller General of the Receipt and Issue of Our Exchequer and Auditor General of Public Accounts To have and to hold the said Office of Comptroller and Auditor General together with the powers authorities and duties belonging thereto during good behaviour in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Statutes in this behalf made and provided In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Royal Family.
Counsellors of State: 
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts Bishops Barons Baronets Knights Citizens and Burgesses and all other Our faithful Subjects whatsoever to who these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas it is Our intention to appoint a Counsellor of State or several of the same for the purpose of deputising for Us when from time to time We are absent from Our United Kingdom And Whereas by the enactments known as the Regency Acts 1937 to 1953 it is (amongst other things) enacted that in the event Our absence or intended absence from Our United Kingdom We may in order to prevent delay or difficulty in the despatch of public business by Letters Patent under the Great Seal delegate to Our Counsellors of State such Our Royal functions as may be specified the Letters Patent And Whereas the persons described by the said enactments as the Counsellors State to be named in such Letters Patent are as follows that is to say Our most dearly beloved Husband and most faithful Counsellor Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Our most dearly beloved Son and most faithful Counsellor Charles Philip Arthur George Prince of Wales Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter Knight of Our Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle Great Master and the First or Principal Knight Grand Cross of Our Most Honourable Order of the Bath Member of Our Order of Merit Our most dearly beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Duke of Cambridge Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter Our most dearly beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David and Our most dearly beloved Prince Andrew Albert Chrstian Edward Duke of York Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter Knight Grand Cross of Our Royal Victorian Order subject however to the provisions enabling Us by the Letters Patent to except from among the number of those Counsellors any person who is absent from Our United Kingdom or intends to be so absent during the period of Our absence Know Ye that by virtue of the said enactments We do hereby delegate for the period of Our absence to the said Counsellors of State (except during their absence from Our United Kingdom those who are or intend to be so absent) the Royal functions specified in the First Schedule annexed hereto to be exercised jointly by not less than two of their number subject to the following exceptions and conditions namely – That they the said Counsellors of State shall not have power to grant any rank title or dignity of the peerage That they shall not approve or sign any warrant fiat submission or other document for which Our approval or signature is required for or in connection with any of the matters described in the Second Schedule annexed hereto and That if We signify or it appears to them that they should not act in any matter or for any purpose without Our previous special approval they shall not act in that matter or for that purpose without that approval Commanding all and singular Archbishops Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts Bishops Barons Baronets Knights Citizens and Burgesses and all other Our Officers Ministers and Subjects that in everything appertaining to the matters aforesaid they be attendant counselling and helping the said Counsellors of State as it behoves them In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Principality of Wales: this title is held by the eldest son of the Monarch, who is in turn heir to the throne; the Prince supports The Queen in discharging her royal duties. The title has, since 1301, been held in conjunction with that of Earl of Chester.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the FaithTo all Lords Temporal and all other Our subjects whatsoever to whom these presents shall come Greeting Know ye that We have made and created and by these Our Letters Do make and create Our most dear Son XX Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay Earl of Carrick Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester And to the same Our most dear XX Have given and granted and by this Our present Charter Do give grant and confirm the name style title dignity and honour of the same Principality and Earldom And him Our most dear Son XX as has been accustomed We do ennoble him and invest with the said Principality by girding him with a Sword and by putting a Coronet on his head and a Gold Ring on his finger and also by delivering a Gold Rod into his hand that he may preside there and may direct and defend those parts To hold to him and his heirs Kings of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Heads of the Commonwealth forever Wherefore We will and strictly command for Us Our heirs and successors that Our most dear Son XX may have the name style title state dignity and honour of the Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester aforesaid unto him and his heirs Kings of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Heads of the Commonwealth as is above mentioned In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
His Royal Highness:
Royal Household.
Master of the Horse:
Astronomer Royal:
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting Whereas the Office of Astronomer Royal is now vacant Now Know Ye that We of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have given and granted an by these Presents do give and grant unto Our trusty and well beloved XX the Office and Place of Astronomer Royal Granting unto him the said XX the Office and Place of Astronomer Royal aforesaid To have hold and exercise the said Office during Our Pleasure together with all Privileges and Advantages thereunto belonging or appertaining In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Queen's Printer of Acts of Parliament:
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas We did by Our Letters patent under the Great Seal bearing date the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign and in the year of Our Lord XX XX XX and XX grant unto Our trusty and well beloved XX the Office of Printer to Us of all Acts of Parliament and did thereby appoint XX to hold and exercise all rights and privileges in connection with copyrights the property of Us during Our pleasure Know ye that We do hereby revoke the said Letters Patent And Further Know Ye that We of Our especial grace Do by these Presents grant unto Our right trusty and well beloved XX the Office of Printer to Us of all and singular Acts of Parliament heretofore printed by the Royal Typographers for the time being or hereafter to be printed or purporting so to be by the command or authority of Us or of the Parliament of Our United Kingdom To Hold and exercise the said Office with all privileges thereto belonging during Our pleasure and We do appoint the said XX to hold and exercise during Our pleasure on behalf of Us Our heirs and successors all rights and privileges in connection with such copyrights and database rights as now are or maybe from time to time become the property of Us Our heirs and successors as fully as if such copyrights and database rights were the property of the said XX In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster on the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas We did by Our Letters Patent under the Great Seal bearing date the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign and in the year of Our Lord Two thousand and XX grant unto Our trusty and well beloved XX then Controller of Our Stationery Office the Office of Printer to Us of all Acts of Parliament and did thereby appoint him to hold and exercise all rights and privileges in connection with copyrights property of Us during Our pleasure Now Know Ye that We do hereby revoke the said Letters Patent And Further Know Ye that We of Our especial grace Do by these Presents grant unto Our trusty and well beloved XX Keeper of Public Records the Office of Printer to Us of all and singular Acts of Parliament heretofore printed by the Royal Typographers for the time being or hereafter to be printed or purporting so to be by the command or authority of Us or of the Parliament of Our United Kingdom To Hold and exercise the said Office with all privileges thereto belonging during Our pleasure And We do appoint the said XX to hold and exercise during Our pleasure on behalf of Us Our heirs and successors all rights and privileges in connection with such copyrights and databse rights as now are or maybe from time to time become the property of Us Our heirs and successors as fully as if such copyrights and database rights were the property of the said XX In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster on the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
High Almoner:
College of Arms.
Garter Principal King of Arms: The Garter is the senior King of Arms and the senior Officer of Arms of the College of Arms. The Garter is responsible for running the College, and has the duty of announcing the new Monarch after the death of the current one.
King of Arms (Clarenceux and Norroy and Ulster):
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas it hath been of ancient times accustomed that amongst other Officers and Ministers whom it is meet should be attendant upon the persons of Princes suitable to their high dignity and glory there should be more especially proper Officers to whom the case and Office of Arms both in times of war and peace may be committed And Whereas the Office of XX King of Arms and Principal Herald of XX is become vacant by the retirement of XX Know Ye therefore that We of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion and for divers other good causes and considerations Us hereunto especially moving by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors Do advance make ordain constitute and create XX a King of Arms and Principal Herald of XX And We do by these Presents Do give unto him the name XX which We do give and grant unto the said XX with the style title liberties per-eminences and commodities suitable agreeable and belonging and anciently accustomed to the said Office And him We have really crowned and invested and by these Presents Do crown and invest therewith To have enjoy occupy and exercise the said Office and the name style title pre-eminences and commodities aforesaid unto him the said XX during his good behaviour in the said Office with all rights profits commodities and emoluments whatsoever to the same Office in anywise belonging and appertaining Provided always and Our Will and Pleasure is that he the said XX shall on the attainment of seventy years of age offer to retire from the said Office such offer to retire to be addressed in writing under his hand to the Earl Marshal of England for the time being and these Our Letters shall cease to have effect upon Our acceptance of such offer Giving moreover and granting unto the said Office of XX 
King of Arms or are known to be appertaining of right or by custom in times past to be done transacted and executed except such ancient and customary fees as are due to the said Office on the creation of dignities And further of Our more abundant grace We do give and by virtue of these Presents grant unto the said XX authority power and licence with the consent of the Earl Marshal of England or his Deputy for the time being in writing under their hands and seals from time to time first given or signified of granting and appointing to eminent men Letters Patent of Arms and Crests jointly and together with XX and XX Kings of Arms or one of them or by himself alone without them at the will and pleasure of the Earl Marshal or his Deputy for the time being according to their Ordinances or Statues from time to time issued or to be issued respectively in that behalf and not otherwise nor in other manner So that if the said XX shall act in any of the premises to the contrary this Our present grant and all things herein contained shall cease and be utterly and altogether void and of none effect or force whatsoever Moreover We have given and granted and by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors Do give and grant unto the said XX advanced by Us a King of Arms and Principal Herald of XX as aforesaid twenty pounds and twenty-five pence by the year by reason and in consideration of the same Office and for the exercise thereof To have and receive the same unto him the said XX yearly and every year during his good behaviour in the same Office at the Office of the Lord Chamberlain of Our Household for the time being the same to commence on and from the XX day of XX in the year of Our Lord XX thousand and XX being the day immediately following the retirement of the said XX and be computed and paid by the day after the rate of twenty pounds and twenty-five pence by the year unto and for the XX day of XX now next ensuing and the subsequent payments thereof to be made annually on the XX day of XX Together with such liveries and clothing as and in the same manner and form as any other person being a King of Arms or Herald of Arms in XX aforesaid had and received in the time of Edward the Third Our Progenitor heretofore King of England or afterwards to have and receive such liveries and clothing unto him the said XX yearly during his good behaviour in the said Office at the Great Wardrobe of Us Our heirs and successors by the hands of the Keeper of the same Wardrobe of Us Our heirs and successors for the time being In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Heralds of Arms (Richmond, Chester, York):
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas the Office of XX Herald of Arms has become vacant by the promotion of XX to the Office of XX Now Know Ye that We for divers causes and considerations Us hereunto especially moving of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have made ordained created advanced constituted and invested and by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors do make ordain create advance constitute and invest XX one of Our Heralds of Arms and have given and by these Presents do give unto him the name commonly called XX And by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors do give and grant unto him the style title liberty and pre-eminence suitable and agreeable and anciently accustomed to the said Office To have enjoy occupy and exercise that Office and the name style title liberty and pre-eminence aforesaid during his good behaviour in the same Office Provided always and Our Will and Pleasure is that he the said XX otherwise XX shall on the attainment of seventy years of age offer to retire from the said Office such offer to retire to be addressed in writing under his hand to the Earl Marshal of England for the time being and these Our Letters shall cease to have effect upon Our acceptance of such offer And We have further given and granted and by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors do give and grant unto the said XX otherwise XX for the exercise of the said Office an annuity or yearly salary of Seventeen pounds and eighty pence of good and lawful money of Great Britain To have and yearly to receive the same at the Office of the Lord Chamberlain of Our Household the first payment thereof to commence from the XX day of XX XX thousand and XX being the date of the promotion of the said XX to be computed by the day after the yearly rate aforesaid and made unto and for the XX day of XX now next ensuing and the subsequent payments thereof to be made yearly on the XX day of XX Together with all other fees rights profits perquisites privileges pre-eminences advantages and emoluments whatsoever incident or belonging to the said Office except such ancient and customary fees as are due to the said Office on the creation of dignities In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Pursuivants of Arms (Bluemantle, Portcullis, Rouge Croix, Rouge Dragon):
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas the Office of XX Pursuivant of Arms has become vacant by the promotion of XX to the Office of XX Now Know Ye that We for divers causes and considerations Us hereunto especially moving of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have made ordained created advanced constituted and invested and by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors do make ordain create advance constitute and invest XX one of Our Pursuivants of Arms and have given and by these Presents do give unto him the name commonly called XX And by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors do give and grant unto him the style title liberty and pre-eminence suitable and agreeable and anciently accustomed to the said Office To have enjoy occupy and exercise that Office and the name style title liberty and pre-eminence aforesaid during his good behaviour in the same Office Provided always and Our Will and Pleasure is that he the said XX otherwise XX shall on the attainment of seventy years of age offer to retire from the said Office such offer to retire to be addressed in writing under his hand to the Earl Marshal of England for the time being and these Our Letters shall cease to have effect upon Our acceptance of such offer And We have further given and granted and by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors do give and grant unto the said XX otherwise XX for the exercise of the said Office an annuity or yearly salary of Thirteen pounds and ninety-five pence of good and lawful money of Great Britain To have and yearly to receive the same at the Office of the Lord Chamberlain of Our Household the first payment thereof to commence from the XX day of XX XX thousand and XX being the date of the promotion of the said XX to be computed by the day after the yearly rate aforesaid and made unto and for the XX day of XX now next ensuing and the subsequent payments thereof to be made yearly on the XX day of XX Together with all other fees rights profits perquisites privileges pre-eminences advantages and emoluments whatsoever incident or belonging to the said Office except such ancient and customary fees as are due to the said Office on the creation of dignities In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Royal palaces.
Lieutenant of the Tower of London
Constable of our Tower of London
Governor and Constable Windsor Castle
British Armed Forces.
Defence Council
Judge Advocate General
Royal Navy.
Lord High Admiral: one of the Great Officers of State, the Lord High Admiral is the ceremonial head of the Royal Navy. It has been held by various members of the Royal Family, and before the establishment of the Defence Council, by the Admiralty in commission, and there would be a First Lord of the Admiralty with all other members being referred to as Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To XX Greeting Whereas We did by Our Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Our United Kingdom bearing date at XX the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign constitute and appoint the persons therein named to be Our Commissioners for executing the office of Our High Admiral as therein mentioned during Our pleasure Now Know Ye that We do by these presents revoke the said Letters Patent And further know ye that We trusting in yOur wisdom and fidelity of Our especial grace do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Our Commissioners for executing the office of Our High Admiral of Our United Kingdom and of the Territories thereunto belonging and of Our High Admiral of Our Colonies and other dominions whatsoever during Our pleasure Granting unto you or any two or more of you full poWer and authority to do everything which belongs to the office of Our High Admiral as Well in and touching those things which concern Our Navy and Shipping as in and touching those which concern the rights and jurisdictions appertaining to the office of Our High Admiral And We do grant unto you or any two or more of you full poWer and authority to make orders for building repairing preserving fitting furnishing arming victualling and setting forth such Ships Vessels and Fleets with all things belonging to them as to you or any two or more of you according to yOur best discretion shall seem fit; and also to establish and direct such entertainments wages and rewards for and unto all such persons as are employed in any of Our services under you or in anything appertaining thereunto and to give such discharges for those services or any of them as to you or any two or more of you with the consent of the Commissioners of Our Treasury in all cases where such consent has heretofore been required shall seem fit And We do command all Our Officers of Our Navy and all others in any Department of Our Naval Service that they be from time to time attendant to you and do observe and execute all such orders as you or any two or more of you give touching Our Naval Service And Our will and pleasure is that you or any two or more of you do from time to time propound unto Us such ways and means for the establishing such orders and instructions for regulating Our Navy as shall be found agreeable to Our Service and as may increase Our poWer and forces by sea and remove such defects and abuses as may prejudice the same and especially may keep the Mariners in good order and obedience to the end that thereupon We may take speedy and effectual cOurse for the supplying of all defects and reforming of all abuses And whereas all wrecks of the sea goods and ships taken from pirates and divers rights duties and privileges have been by express words or otherwise heretofore granted to Our High Admirals for their own benefit as duties appertaining to the office of Our High Admiral It is Our will and pleasure that all casual duties and profits be taken and received in all places where they shall happen by the officers of the Admiralty or other proper officers appointed as by law required in that behalf in such sort as they formerly Were or ought to have been taken and received when there was a High Admiral or as they now are or ought to be taken and received; and the officers so taking or receiving the same shall account for the same and every part thereof to the proper officers appointed in that behalf and the same shall be applied in such manner as the law directs And whereas all offices places and employments belonging to the Navy or Admiralty are properly in the trust and disposal of Our High Admiral and Our High Admirals have constituted Vice-Admirals under them Now Our will and pleasure is that all such officers places and employments as shall become or be made void during the vacancy of the office of Our High Admiral shall be given and disposed of by you or any two or more of you And you or any two or more of you may constitute Vice-Admirals for such places where Vice-Admirals have been usually appointed by Our High Admiral for the time being or where you may in yOur discretion from time to time think fit And know ye further that We do grant unto you full poWer and authority from time to time by warrants under the hands of any two or more of you and the seal of the office of Admiralty to appoint such officers for conducting the business of the Civil Departments of Our Naval Service and for superintending Our Naval Arsenals Dockyards Victualling Establishments and Naval Hospitals within Our United Kingdom or elsewhere as to you shall seem necessary and from time to time as you shall see fitting to revoke the appointments of any such officers and appoint others in their stead strictly enjoining all such officers and all others whom it may concern to be obedient to you in all things as becometh And moreover We grant unto you or any two or more of you full poWer and authority to make or cause to be made on Our behalf all requisite contracts for the hire of vessels and for the supply of Naval Medical and Chirurgical Stores and of victuals provisions and other necessaries for Our Fleets and Naval Service and for the performance of works in relation thereto and for any other services as in yOur discretion shall be from time to time found necessary for the better carrying on of Our Naval Service; and generally to execute and do every poWer and thing which formerly did in any respect appertain to the office or duties of Principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy and of Commissioners for Victualling the Navy and for the care of sick and wounded seamen in the Service or which they or any of them collectively or individually as such officers and Commissioners could have lawfully executed or done In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Vice Admiral: is a flag officer rank of the Royal Navy, immediately superior to the rear admiral rank and subordinate to the admiral rank.
Rear Admiral: is a flag officer rank of the Royal Navy, immediately superior to commodore and subordinate to vice admiral.
Knighthoods.
Powers to confer knighthoods – General: Knighthoods are usually conferred for public service, and entitle the grantee to prefix "Sir" to their forenames, and their wifes to prefix "Lady" to their surnames. When the recipient is a knight by virtue of an order of chilvary or is otherwise entitled to a higher prefix than "Sir", he may use the letters "Kt" after his name.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Now Know Ye that by these Presents We have been pleased to nominate and appoint Our trusty and well beloved XX to the degree title honour and dignity of a Knight Bachelor together with all right precedences privileges and advantages to the same degree title honour and dignity belonging or appertaining In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster on the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Powers to confer knighthood – Double: The Queen, during any absence from the United Kingdom or otherwise absence from a particular investiture, may delegate the powers to confer knighthoods to a Counsellor of State, and this Letters Patent are issued for that purpose, as applicable.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To XX Greeting Whereas We are desirous of conferring upon you XX certain powers to act on Our behalf on the XX and XX days of XX and the XX and XX days of XX when We cannot Ourself conviniently be personally present Know Ye that We by these Presents Do direct and empower you XX to confer on the aforesaid days in Our Name and on Our behalf in as full and ample a manner as if the same had been conferred by Us in person the title degree and honour of a Knight Bachelor upon such persons as We have signified at the date of these Presents Our intention of promotiong or appointing to be Members of the First or Second Class of Our Most Honourable Order of the Bath or of Our Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George or of Our Royal Victorian Order or of Our Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and as under special Warrant issued under the Seal of any of the said Orders you XX have been empowered to invest with the insignia of the First or Second Class of that Order And also to confer in Our Name and on Our behalf upon such persons as We have been pleased to approve the title degree and honour of a Knight Bachelor together with all rights privileges and precedences appertaining thereto in as full and ample a manner as if the same had been conferred by Us in person In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster on the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Removal of a knighthood: Knighthoods may be removed if the grantee has committed a crime or has otherwise defamed the very reason he was knighted in the first place. Ths procedure is similar to the one used when removing membership to an order of chilvary.
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all who to these Presents shall come Whereas on the XX day ofXX Two thousand and XX We of Our especial grace and favour conferred the honour of Knighthood upon XX as a Knight Bachelor Now Know Ye that We of Our certain knowledge and mere motion do hereby cancel and annul the Knighthood conferred upon the said XX as a Knight Bachelor together with all rights precedences privileges and advantages to the same degree title honour and dignity belonging or appertaining thereto In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster on the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"
Universities.
Oxford.
Regius Professor of Hebrew
"Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories King Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Know Ye that We of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have given and granted and by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors Do give and grant unto Our trusty and well beloved XX the Office and Place of Regius Professor of Hebrew Tongue in Our University of Oxford being void by the resignation of Our trusty and well beloved XX and in Our Gift in full right To have and to hold the Office of Regius Professor aforesaid unto him the said XX for and during Our Pleasure together with all and singular the right and advantages whatsoever to the same Office belonging or appertaining subject nevertheless to all such statutes decrees ordinances rules regulations touching or concerning the said Office and the duties thereof In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster on the XX day of XX in the XX year of Our Reign"