The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 prompted widespread reflection on her remarkable reign -- and, for pen enthusiasts, a closer look at the writing instruments that accompanied her throughout it. The accession of King Charles III also brought fountain pens into the news in an unexpected way.
The Accession Ceremony
The official accession ceremony saw dignitaries signing documents with what appeared to be Pilot V Pens -- disposable fountain pens that are affordable and reliable, if not particularly eco-friendly. Pilot produce many excellent refillable fountain pens and a superb range of inks in their Iroshizuku range.
King Charles used his own pen to sign the accession documents -- what appeared to be a Montblanc Solitaire fountain pen, identified by several eagle-eyed pen enthusiasts who zoomed in on television footage.
King Charles and the Leaking Pen
In the days following the Queen's death, footage emerged of King Charles and the Queen Consort expressing frustration with a leaking pen provided for signing a book of condolences in Northern Ireland. The moment resonated with fountain pen users everywhere -- a reminder that even the most solemn occasions are not immune to ink-related mishaps.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Parker 51
Queen Elizabeth II was famously loyal to the Parker 51 -- one of the most celebrated fountain pens ever made. She used the same pen for many decades and granted Parker a Royal Warrant in 1962. The former Prince of Wales followed suit with his own Royal Warrant in 1990. Royal Warrants are granted to companies that have supplied the Royal Household for five years or more.
The Parker 51 was introduced in 1941, developed from 1939 and named to mark Parker's 51st anniversary year. It became one of the most iconic pen designs in history. Although production of the original ceased in the 1970s, Parker reintroduced a modern version in 2020 -- with a screw cap and updated ink system -- available in ten designs, with a matching ballpoint for those who prefer it.
A Pelikan Spotted on the Royal Train
In the run-up to the Queen's funeral, television programmes reviewing her reign showed a fascinating image of Her Majesty working on the Royal Train -- with what appeared to be a Pelikan K400 Green Striated ball pen in hand. An appropriate choice: Pelikan have been producing pens since 1929 and inks since 1838, and are based in Hanover -- the home of the Royal House that ruled Britain until Queen Victoria's reign.
The Handbag Theory
A Royal Warrant was also issued to Launer in 1968, the London manufacturer who supplied the Queen with her handbags for over half a century -- she is said to have owned more than 200. The handbag was famously used to send discreet signals to her staff: moving it from one arm to the other, for instance, indicated she wished to end a conversation. There has long been speculation about what the Queen kept inside. We have our own theory.
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