Patent for the creation of Charles Duke of Cornwall as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester.

Black, red and blue ink with illuminated 'E' on vellum, with the Great Seal of the Realm for Elizabeth II attached: a circular blue wax impression designed by Gilbert Ledward (1888-1960) showing The Queen mounted on horse with the E II R monogram below, joined to the manuscript by a gilt rope.

Letters patent are an open document from the Sovereign, which can be used to express the Sovereign’s will, for example to confer an office or create a new peerage. Two letters patent were used at the Investiture of Charles Duke of Cornwall as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester: one in English and one in Welsh. The English version seen here was read out at the start of the ceremony by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, James Callaghan.