Mourning stationery

[1][2] It was first used in the 17th century in Europe and was most popular during the Victorian era, during which it was also used in the United States and West Africa.

After the death of a reigning monarch, a mourning border may be placed on public notices, newspapers, and other government stationery.

[11] After the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 2021, Queen Elizabeth II chose not to use the black border to signify mourning (opting instead to use her royal coat of arms printed in black rather than red on correspondence),[12] although she did use it once as a final note to Philip.

Despite Queen Elizabeth's break from tradition, Prince Charles (now King) and Camilla continued to use the mourning border.

[12] A black-bordered letter makes appearance in George Elgar Hicks' 1863 painting, Woman’s Mission: Companion of Manhood.