Prince William took a trip to Cardiff this week to learn more about seaweed innovation – but royal fans were distracted by a major mistake in an official photograph

Kensington Palace shared a new photograph of Prince William this week as he headed off for an engagement in Cardiff. But royal fans were quick to notice a glaring mistake relating to his royal title.

William became the Prince Of Wales following the death of his grandmother, the late Queen, and his father King Charles’s accession to the throne. And it seems changes still need to be made following the title change.

The 41-year-old royal headed to Wales on Tuesday to learn more about seaweed innovation, travelling by train. In a photo shared on social media, William can be seen looking out the window during his journey, with his phone and a red binder on the table in front of him.

The folder features his royal monogram, a “W” topped by a coronet – but the royal cypher has not been updated to reflect his new status as the heir apparent.

The out-of-date cypher can be seen on the front of the folder

Gert’s Royals noted on X that William’s symbol, which he routinely uses on stationary and official documents, still features the coronet of a child of the Prince of Wales.

In response, one person added: “I guess it’ll all change as people get used to the former Prince Charles stuff changing over to his King logos and symbols. Prince George isn’t going to be using this stuff for a while anyway.”

“William wouldn’t have to use the Prince of Wales feathers that Charles mainly used during his time as heir,” Gert’s Royals replied. “William could keep his monogram and just swap out the coronet for the appropriate one. It would cause any confusion, the W would still clearly be William. And many people probably wouldn’t even notice the coronet/crown change.”

While William’s monogram is yet to be updated, King Charles debuted his new royal cypher shortly after his accession. His monogram shows the crown above his first initial “C” intertwined with an “R” for rex (Latin for king, traditionally used for the monarch dating back to the 12th century), with “III” inside the “R.”

The King chose his cypher from several created by the palace’s heraldry experts at the College of Arms. It has gradually replaced Queen Elizabeth’s “ERII” insignia on government buildings, state documents, post boxes, uniforms and official stationery.

Queen Camilla’s monogram, meanwhile, was designed by Prof Ewan Clayton, and combines Camilla’s initial “C” and “R” for Regina – the Latin word for queen. It is used by the King’s wife on personal letterheads, cards and gifts.

Meanwhile, fans are looking ahead to Saturday when the royal family steps out in force for Trooping the Colour, the King’s official birthday celebrations.

Prince William will likely be there, and is expected to be joined by his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. It is not known whether his wife Princess Kate will be able to attend in light of her ongoing cancer treatment.

In a recent message, the Princess revealed that she hopes to return to her public duties very soon. Kate wrote to the Irish Guards apologising for missing the final rehearsal ahead of Saturday’s Trooping the Colour. The regiment later shared photos of the royal’s message on X.

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour. I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drills are immaculate,” Kate wrote.

“Being your colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review,” she continued. “Please pass my apologies to the whole regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.

The Princess concluded her note by writing, “Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved,” before signing off with the phrase ‘Quis Separabit – a Latin motto associated with the British Army in Ireland meaning ‘who will separate us?’ – “Colonel Catherine”.