Every day of her reign, including weekends and holidays, Queen Elizabeth received Red Boxes that were crafted for her coronation in 1952. Following her passing, King Charles III was seen with the same iconic Red Box as he assumed his new state responsibilities at Buckingham Palace.
What’s inside the Red Box?
The Red Box, quite literally a red box, contains documents from government ministers in the UK and the Realms, as well as representatives from the Commonwealth and beyond.
It serves as a secure and efficient means of transporting sensitive documents that influence the United Kingdom and its relationships with other nations. These documents encompass state decisions made by the Monarch, the Prime Minister, and other ministers.
Each day, the contents of the Red Boxes are prepared for the Sovereign and the ministers by their private offices. These papers typically require decisions, while others consist of briefing papers and materials for meetings. Red Boxes accompany their holders worldwide, ensuring they can fulfill their official duties wherever they may be.
Why Red?
There are two potential reasons behind the iconic red color of the Despatch Box. One theory suggests that Prince Albert, Consort to Queen Victoria, favored the color due to its prominence in the arms of his family, the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
Another theory dates back to Queen Elizabeth I’s reign in the late 16th century when her representative, Francis Throckmorton, presented the Spanish Ambassador with a specially made red briefcase filled with black puddings. This gesture was considered an official communication from the Queen, thus establishing red as the official color of the state.
Why not just use email or text?
Queen Elizabeth received Red Boxes almost every day of her reign, excluding Christmas Day, as they remained a cornerstone of the governance process. Similarly, King Charles III has been photographed with his official red box as he assumes his duties following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Red Box is regarded as a visible symbol of the democratic government system of the Commonwealth, a tradition dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Its modern role in governance remains unchanged for over a century, ensuring transparency in decision-making and preserving a historical record. Physical documents and papers continue to hold significance in governance today.