Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth, and More Royals Have Stunning Signatures. These Photos Are Proof.

They all have a very distinctive autographs.

Duchess of Cambridge
(Image credit: LUKAS COCH)

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.

1. Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth Signature

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Many let their signatures devolve into a line or two as they age—but not the nearly-94-year-0ld British monarch.

2. Prince Philip

Prince Philip Signature

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Philip's autograph has a surprisingly neat and loopy appearance.

3. Prince Charles

Prince Charles Signature

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Charles makes every letter as narrow as possible, making for a uniform mark.

4. The Duchess of Cornwall

Camilla Duchess of Cornwall Signature

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Unlike her husband, Camilla gives precedence to the first letter in her name.

5. Prince William

Prince William Signature

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William has perhaps the most stylized, least legible signature in the royal family.

6. The Duchess of Cambridge

Kate Middleton Signature

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Although she's still largely known to her fans as "Kate," these days, the Duchess introduces herself (and signs guestbooks) as Catherine.

7. Prince Harry

Prince Harry Signature

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Harry keeps it simple, letting the last for letters of his name flow in a line.

8. The Duchess of Sussex

The Duchess of Sussex Signature

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.)

Chloe Foussianes

Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com, where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve.