Symbols of the Monarchy, Part II: Coats of Arms

     This is the second of a series of articles on royal symbols. The first article on the royal standards used by the Queen can be accessed here.
 

Canada's Royal Coat of Arms as seen affixed to a government building.

     When one thinks of the most prevalent of royal symbols, among them would probably be the coats of arms used by the Queen and other members of the royal family. It is easy to pass them off as something out of a Disney movie, for they appear as being the cute and colorful symbols of a whimsical fairy-tale involving kings, queens, princes, and princesses – complete with lions, dragons, and unicorns. 

     In the course of the history of the monarchy however, coats of arms are much more than that, for they have played a significant role in shaping the history of Britain and its people. In times past, they were the equivalent of “name, rank, and serial number” on the battlefields of war and conflict. Later, they became emblematic of the British nobility, other members of the establishment, British companies, British towns and cities, the people of Britain, the British nation, and the monarchy itself. As such, they have become much like modern-day logos, with the purpose of conveying a certain brand. 

     With the monarchy’s political power reduced substantially over the years, it becomes easy to view the royal coat of arms as show-pieces for displaying the royal brand and the pomp and pageantry it entails. Nonetheless, the coats of arms used in the United Kingdom and in the other realms of the Commonwealth are real and tangible representations of the nations in which the monarchy retains its rank and status. Looking at them can tell a person a lot about the country, its heritage and history, its people and the things for which they are known, and how far it has come as a nation. 

Coat of Arms used in the United Kingdom

 

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

     
     The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom has developed over the centuries, taking its roots from the arms of the once independent countries of England (with Wales), Scotland, and Ireland (now Northern Ireland). The current arms are therefore a reflection of the unity of the United Kingdom and the ideals of forging different groups of British people into a single British nation. 

     On the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, the shield contains the arms of England (three gold lions passant gardant against a red field) in the first and fourth quarters, the arms of Scotland (a red lion rampant against a buff field) in the second quarter, and the arms of Ireland (a gold harp against a blue field) in the third quarter. 

     Surrounding the shield is a blue garter, representing the Order of the Garter (which is the oldest and highest order of chivalry in England and United Kingdom), which contains the motto of the Order: Honi soit qui mal y pense (French for “shame upon him who thinks evil of it”). 

     Surmounting the shield is a gold forward-facing helmet wearing St. Edward’s Crown, which has gold and ermine mantling emanating from it. On the crest is a lion, which also wears St. Edward’s Crown. Along the bottom is a grassy mount with a white ribbon featuring – in gold lettering – the motto of English and British monarchs: Dieu et mon droit (French for “God and my right shall me defend”). 

     Sprouting from a common stem behind the motto are the floral emblems of the United Kingdom: the Scottish thistle, Irish shamrock, and English Tudor rose. The two supporters of the arms are a gold English lion wearing St. Edward’s Crown on the left and a silver Scottish unicorn on the right. 

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom for use in Scotland.

     
     The UK Arms used in Scotland prominently feature elements pertaining to Scotland.   

     On the Scottish Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, the shield contains the arms of Scotland (a red lion rampant against a buff field) in the first and fourth quarters, the arms of England (three gold lions passant gardant against a red field) in the second quarter, and the arms of Ireland (a gold harp against a blue field) in the third quarter. 

     Surrounding the shield is the collar of the Order of the Thistle (which is the oldest and highest order of chivalry in Scotland and second-oldest and second-highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom). Surmounting the shield is a gold forward-facing helmet wearing the Crown of Scotland, which has gold and ermine mantling emanating from it. 

     On the crest is a red lion sejant, which also wears the Crown of Scotland, and holds a sword in its right hand and a scepter in its left hand. Above the red lion is the motto of Scottish and British monarchs: In Defens (Scots for, and contraction of, "In My Defense God Me Defend"). Along the bottom is a grassy mount with a blue ribbon featuring – in gold lettering – the motto of the Order of the Thistle: Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin for “No one attacks me with impunity”). Sprouting from the mount and behind the motto are thistles, Scotland’s floral emblem. 

     The two supporters of the arms are a gold English lion wearing St. Edward’s Crown and carrying St. George’s Flag (the flag of England) on the right and a silver Scottish unicorn wearing the Crown of Scotland and carrying St. Andrew’s Flag (the flag of Scotland) on the left. 

Coat of Arms of Canada

An illustration of the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada.

     The Royal Coat of Arms of Canada were designed by a committee and adopted by King George V in 1921, and were modified by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin into their current version, which was approved by the Queen in 1994.

     On this coat of arms, the shield contains the three gold lions of England in the first quarter, the red lion of Scotland in the second quarter, the gold harp of Ireland in the third quarter, and the three gold fleurs-de-lis of France in the fourth quarter. The fifth section at the base of the shield bears three red maple leaves that are representative of Canada itself. 

     Surrounding the shield is a red ribbon, containing the motto of the Order of Canada: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam (Latin for “They Desire a Better Country”). Surmounting the shield is a gold forward-facing helmet which has red and white mantling (stylized to appear as maple leaves) emanating from it. 

     On the crest is a lion standing on a wreath of red and gold silk, wearing the Crown of St. Edward and holding a red maple leaf, which represents the independent sovereignty of Canada from the United Kingdom. Above the crowned lion is a larger St. Edward’s Crown, symbolizing the constitutional monarchy in Canada. 

     Along the bottom is a blue ribbon featuring – in gold lettering – the motto of Canada: A Mari Usque ad Mare (Latin for “From Sea to Sea”). Sprouting from a common stem are the Scottish thistle, Irish shamrock, English Tudor rose, and Welsh leek in reference to Canada’s founding nations from Britain. 

     The two supporters of the arms are an gold English lion carrying the Union Flag on the left and a silver Scottish unicorn carrying the three gold fleurs-de-lis of France on the right. 

Coat of Arms of Australia

Commonwealth Coat of Arms

     The Royal Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia was first adopted by King Edward VII in 1908, and was redesigned into its current version in 1912 under King George V. 

     On this coat of arms, the shield consists of six parts bearing the heraldic badges of the six original states of Australia. 

     The upper left badge represents New South Wales, which bears the Cross of St. George on a white field with a gold lion in the center of the cross and a gold star in each of its arms. In the upper middle section is the badge of Victoria, which contains the white five stars of the Southern Cross surmounted by an Imperial Crown against a blue field. The upper right badge represents Queensland, consisting of a blue Maltese cross on a white field with an Imperial Crown inside of it. 

     In the lower left section is the badge representing South Australia, which contains a Piping Shrike – an emblematic bird probably based on the Australian Magpie – on a gold field. The lower middle section bears the badge of Western Australia, which includes a black swan against a gold field. In the lower right section is the badge representing Tasmania, which bears a red lion on a white field. Completing the shield is an ermine border representing the unity of the Australian federation. 

     In the crest atop the shield is a seven-pointed star resting on a blue and gold wreath, which represents the six original states, as well as the combined territories and any future states, and as such is known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star. A wreath of Golden Wattle – the national floral emblem – makes up the background of the arms, and along the bottom is the name of the nation itself. Supporting the shield are a Red Kangaroo on the left and an emu on the right. 

Coat of Arms of New Zealand

 

Royal Coat of Arms of New Zealand.

     The Royal Coat of Arms of New Zealand was designed by James McDonald, and was first adopted by King George V in 1911. Elizabeth II, as Queen of New Zealand, approved the current version in 1956. 

     With this coat of arms, the shield is divided into four quarters and a central white stripe. In the first quadrant are four red stars against a blue field that are representative of the Southern Cross; the second quadrant contains a golden fleece (which is actually a muskox – one of several animals from which wool, and therefore fleece, can be made) on a red field, which represents the wool industry; the third quadrant bears a golden wheat sheaf upon a red field, which is representative of agriculture; the fourth quadrant consists of two crossed gold hammers against a blue field, which represents mining and other heavy industries. 

     The central white stripe that contains three ships symbolizes New Zealand’s heritage as a trading and immigrant nation. Atop of the shield is the Crown of St. Edward, which as the crown used at the time her coronation, represents the Queen’s authority in New Zealand. Along the bottom are two fern branches and a white ribbon that bears the name of the country. 

     The two supporters of the shield are Zealandia (the female personification of New Zealand said to be a daughter of Britannia) holding the New Zealander flag on the left and a Maori Warrior holding a Taiaha – a fighting weapon – on the right. 

Coat of Arms of Jamaica

Royal Coat of Arms of Jamaica

     

     The Royal Coat of Arms of Jamaica were originally granted under Royal Warrant in either 1661 or 1662 by King Charles II, and likely designed by William Sancroft, who is more notable for being the 79^th Archbishop of Canterbury. Since then, the arms went through several modifications, and current version was adopted by Elizabeth II as Queen of Jamaica in 1962.

 

     The Jamaican Coat of Arms consists of a shield with the Cross of St. George against a white field with pineapples placed on each of its arms and at the center. Surmounting the shield is a gold forward-facing helmet which has gold and white mantling emanating from it. 

     On the crest is an alligator standing on black log, which in turn rests on a wreath of red and white silk. Along the bottom is a white ribbon bearing the Jamaican motto: Out of Many, One People, which is symbolic of the various ethnicities living on the island nation (and similar to one of the American motto's, E pluribus unum). 

     The arms are supported by a native West Indian woman carrying a basket of fruit on the left and a native West Indian man carrying a bow on the right.

Coat of Arms of Barbados

 

Royal Coat of Arms of Barbados

     The Royal Coat of Arms of Barbados was designed by Neville Connell and Hilda Ince, and was adopted by the Queen in 1966.

     Within the Barbadian arms is a shield consisting of a gold field, upon which is a bearded fig tree – a symbol of Barbados – in the center, and the national flower, the red Pride of Barbados, in the top corners on either side. 

     On top of the shield is a silver helmet facing to the left with red and gold mantling emanating from it. The crest consists of a Barbadian fist holding two pieces of sugar cane that rests on a wreath of red and gold silk. The crossed sugar cane – in the form of the Cross of St. Andrew’s – represents the sugar industry and Barbadian independence on St. Andrew’s Day in 1966. 

     Along the bottom is a scroll inscribed with the national motto: Pride and Industry. The supporters are a dolphin representing the fishing industry on the left, and a pelican representing Pelican Island on the right. 

Coat of Arms of the Bahamas

Royal Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

     The Royal Coat of Arms of the Bahamas was designed by Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain, Jr., MBE, and was adopted by Elizabeth II as Queen of the Bahamas in 1971.

     On this coat of arms, the shield consists of Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria sailing under a sun, in reference to the explorer’s landing in the Bahamas in 1492. Surmounting the shield is a gold forward-facing helmet with blue and orange mantling emanating from it. Upon the helmet rests a wreath of blue and orange silk, on top of which is the crest containing a conch shell and five palm leaves. 

     Along the bottom is a mixture of land and sea, as well as scroll inscribed with the Bahamian motto: Forward, Upward, Onward, Together. Supporting the shield are a marlin on the left (and in the water) and a flamingo on the left (and on land). Altogether, the arms speak to the geography and history of the islands, as well as the various forms of wildlife on land and sea.

Coat of Arms of Grenada

Arms of Grenada

       
     The Royal Coat of Arms of Grenada was adopted in 1974 upon the independence of the island nation from the United Kingdom. 

     In this coat of arms, the shield is divided into four quarters by a golden cross. In the first and fourth quarters is a gold British lion against a red field, symbolizing strength, courage, and resourcefulness. The second and third quarters feature a lily growing from a golden crescent moon on a green field, which pays homage to the painting of the Immaculate Conception and emphasizes the fact that Christopher Columbus named the island “Conception Island.” In the middle of the golden cross is Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria. 

     Atop the shield is a golden forward-facing helmet with a red star that represents the hopes, aspirations, and ideals of the Grenadian people. The helmet is topped by a crest consisting of seven roses (representing the seven parishes of Grenada) surrounded by two strands of Bougainvillea, the national flower. 

     Along the bottom and foreground of the arms are the stylized grassland mountains of the country and the Grand Etang Lake, along with a white ribbon with the Grenadian motto: Ever Conscious of God we Aspire, Build and Advance as One People. 

     The supporters are an armadillo standing before a corn stalk on the left, and a Grenada Dove standing before a banana tree on the right.

Coat of Arms of Papua New Guinea

National Emblem of Papua New Guinea

     The Royal Coat of Arms (or National Emblem) of Papua New Guinea was adopted in1975 upon its independence from Australia. Within this emblem is a brown Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise that rests upon a traditional spear and a kundu drum. 

Coat of Arms of Solomon Islands

Royal Coat of Arms of Solomon Islands.

     
     The Royal Coat of Arms of Solomon Islands was adopted in 1978 upon its independence from the United Kingdom. 

     On the shield, there consists a green saltire containing two spears against a gold field. On both sides of the saltire are two brown turtles, and at the center is a native shield with two bows and two arrows. The top of the shield contains a gold eagle with two gray Frigate birds against a blue field. 

     Surmounting the shield is a silver helmet with blue and white and mantling emanating from it and above the helmet is a wreath of blue and white silk upon which rests a Solomon Islands war canoe below a radiant sun. Along the bottom is a stylized two-headed black Frigate bird with a gold ribbon inscribed with the national motto: To Lead is to Serve. 

     Supporting the shield are a brown crocodile on the left, and a blue & white shark on the right.

Coat of Arms of Tuvalu

Royal Coat of Arms of Tuvalu.

     The Royal Coat of Arms of Tuvalu was adopted in 1976, two years before its independence from the United Kingdom. 

     The shield contains the image of a Maneapa (island meeting hall) standing against a blue sky and standing on green grounds, beneath which are stylized blue and gold ocean waves. 

     Surrounding this image is a gold border upon which is an alternating pattern of eight mussels and eight banana leaves. At the bottom of the arms is a gold ribbon inscribed with the Tuvaluan national motto: Tuvalu mo te Atua (Tuvaluan for "Tuvalu for the Almighty").

Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia

Royal Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia

     

     The Royal Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia were designed by Sydney Bagshaw and adopted in 1967 during a period of self-government before its independence from the United Kingdom. 

     In this coat of arms, the shield is divided into four quarters by a bamboo cross with an African tribal chief’s stool in the center (representing the African descent of many Saint Lucian’s via the slave trade). 

     The first and fourth quarters feature the Tudor rose (symbolizing British dominion over the island), whilst the second and third quarters contain the fleur-de-lis (representing periods of French dominion over the island). Atop the shield is a steel helmet with blue and buff mantling emanating from it, upon which is the crest consisting of a hand holding a torch and two sugar cane leaves crossed in the pattern of a saltire. 

     At the bottom is a buff-colored scroll inscribed with the Saint Lucian national motto: The Land, The People, The Light. The supporters of the shield on both sides are the Saint Lucia Amazon (Amazona versicolor), the national bird of Saint Lucia. 

Coat of Arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Royal Coat of Arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

     
     The Royal Coat of Arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was adopted in 1979 upon the island nation’s independence from the United Kingdom. 

     This coat of arms features two women in Roman dress situation around a golden altar. The one on the right holds the scales of justice and is kneeling before the altar, whilst the woman on the left is standing and holding an olive branch. Above them is a cotton plant, and below them is a white scroll bearing the motto, in Latin: Pax et Justitia ("Peace and Justice"), which are the names belonging to the women featured in the arms.

Coat of Arms of Belize

 

Royal Coat of Arms of Belize

     The Royal Coat of Arms of Belize was adopted upon the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, though the design largely harkens back to when Belize was a colony of Britain. 

     Within the arms, the shield is divided into three parts. The top left section features a paddle and squaring axe in saltire formation; the top right section consists of a saw and a beating axe; the bottom section contains a sailing ship, while surmounting the shield is a mahogany tree. 

     Along the bottom is a grassy field from which the mahogany tree is grown, as well as a white scroll inscribed with the national motto in Latin: Sub Umra Floreo ("Under The Shade I Flourish"). Supporting the shield is a man on the left holding an axe, and a man on the right holding a paddle. 

     Completing the coat of arms is a wreath of 25 leaves. Taken as a whole, the importance of mahogany and shipbuilding to Belize’s history is strongly reflected in its arms. 

Coat of Arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Royal Coat of Arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis

     
     The Royal Coat of Arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis was adopted in 1983 upon its independence from the United Kingdom, but the design dates back to 1967, when the country was part of a larger West Indies associated federation.

      In this coat of arms, the top part of the shield features the golden head of a Carib (representing the early inhabitants), as well as a fleur-de-lis and Tudor rose (symbolizing the French and British heritage) against a blue field. The bottom part of the shield consists of two red Poinciana flowers, a red chevron, and a schooner in full sail on a pale blue field. 

     Surmounting the shield is a silver helmet with dark blue and light blue mantling emanating from it, upon which is a tower with hands of African and European origin holding up a torch (which symbolizes the diversity and unity of the islands). 

     On either side of the shield are supporters in the form of the national bird – pelicans, along with a coconut palm tree and sugar cane plant. Along the bottom is a ribbon inscribed with the national motto: Country Above Self. 

Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda

Royal Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda

     
     The Royal Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda was designed by Gordon Christopher and adopted for use in 1967. 

     Within the arms is a shield featuring a stylized sugar mill, with a sun rising from a blue and white sea against a black background. The sun symbolizes a fresh start, whilst the black field represents the African origin of many of the island’s inhabitants. 

     Atop the shield is a helmet with blue and white mantling emanating from it, which is surmounted by a crest consisting of noted island exports - pineapple and hibiscus. Along the bottom is a grassy ground surrounded by waves, as well as a scroll inscribed with the national motto: Each Endeavoring, All Achieving. 

     Supporting the shield is a pair of deer which represent the wildlife that inhabit the islands, with the deer on the left holding a sugar cane and the deer on the right holding a yucca plant.

Heraldic Authorities

     Responsibility for issuing heraldry in the United Kingdom and some of the other Commonwealth realms rests with three authorities: the College of Arms, the Court of the Lord Lyon, and the Canadian Heraldic Authority. 

Arms of the College of Arms.

     The College of Arms is the royal corporation responsible for acting on behalf of the monarch on issues of heraldry, granting arms, genealogical research, and recording of pedigree's in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Commonwealth realms such as Australia and New Zealand. It is part of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom and is also responsible for maintaining official registers of flags and national symbols, as well as providing guidance on how flags ought to be used on land. The College also helps to plan and organize ceremonial events such as state funerals, coronations, and the annual State Opening of Parliament, at which the Heralds of the College often accompany the monarch.

Arms of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

     The Court of the Lord Lyon is the public body responsible for dealing with issues of heraldry and granting arms in Scotland. As with its counterpart in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it is part of the Royal Household, and also engages in the record-keeping of genealogies and the maintenance of a heraldic register. The Officers of Arms under the Lord Lyon take part in ceremonies such as the dissolution of Parliament, the inauguration of governors of Edinburgh Castle, and the opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. They also accompany the monarch on royal and state functions in Scotland. In addition, the Lord Lyon is part of the Scottish legal system, as he has criminal jurisdiction in matters of heraldry, and has a dedicated official - the Procurator Fiscal - to handle such issues in Scottish courts.

     In Canada, the Canadian Heraldic Authority was established in 1988 by Elizabeth II as Queen of Canada. Before its creation, Canadians had to go to either the College of Arms or the Court of the Lord Lyon to obtain coats of arms and seek information on issues of heraldry. The CHA performs duties similar to the heraldic authorities in the United Kingdom, and has become known for incorporating elements unique to Canada and its First Nations.

     Indeed, throughout these coats of arms, history and heritage are often on display, as well as the characteristics and commodities for which the people and nation are known. They also describe, to a great extent, the values and aspirations of these nations, many of whom have only become independent within the last 50 years, and so their coats of arms reflect how they think of themselves, and the better future that they seek. So these arms that represent Queen and Country are not mere whimsical images out of a fairy-tale story book. They are real and powerful symbols of the monarchy and of the nations in which it holds authority and prominence, as well as the affections of the people it serves.
 


Photo Credit: Thomas Quine via Flickr cc, Sodacan via Wikimedia Commons cc, Sodacan via Wikimedia Commons cc, Jorge Campassio via Wikimedia Commons cc, Sodacan via Wikimedia Commons cc, Tom Lemmons via Wikimedia Commons cc, Prez001 via Wikimedia Commons cc, Denelson83 via Wikimedia Commons cc, Diafora via Wikimedia Commons cc, Onlydo via Wikimedia Commons cc, Sodacan via Wikimedia Commons cc, Sodacan via Wikimedia Commons cc

Sources:

• Arms of Canada - Canadian Heritage
• Arms of Canada - Wikipedia 
• Article: Barbados Coat of Arms
• Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda - Wikipedia
• Coat of Arms of Australia - Wikipedia
• Coat of Arms of the Bahamas - Wikipedia
• Coat of Arms of Barbados - Wikipedia
• Coat of Arms of Belize - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Grenada - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Jamaica - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of New Zealand - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Papua New Guinea - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Solomon Islands - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of Tuvalu - Wikipedia 
• Coat of Arms of the UK - Wikipedia 
• College of Arms (Official Website)
• College of Arms - Wikipedia
• Court of the Lyon (Official Website)
• Court of the Lord Lyon - Wikipedia
• Governor-General of Canada - Canadian Heraldic Authority
• Grenadian Government - Arms of Grenada
• It's An Honour - Commonwealth Coat of Arms (Australia)
• National Arms of Belize
• National Arms of New Zealand
• National Library of Jamaica - National Symbols
• Papua New Guinea Coat of Arms 
• Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia Government - Coat of Arms 
• Solomon Islands Coat of Arms 
• TeAra Article on New Zealandia 
• The Barbados Parliament - Independence
• The National Symbols (Belize) 
• UK Monarchy - Coat of Arms
• World Atlas (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) 

Symbols of the Monarchy, Part I: Royal Standard's

This is the first in a series of articles about royal symbols. Article two about the coats of arms of each of the Queen's realms can be accessed here.

The UK Royal Standard flying from Buckingham Palace,
indicating that the Queen is in residence.

  
     Among the most recognizable symbols of the monarchy are the royal standard’s that are used by Queen Elizabeth II nearly everywhere she goes. These flags are symbolic of the power of the monarchy and of the pomp and pageantry it entails. 

     The Queen has six royal standards that are for the use of her and her successors in the role of Sovereign of the following countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and Barbados. In addition, she also uses a version of the UK royal standard when in Scotland. These royal standards are flown when the Queen is in residence at one of the royal palaces, as well as from any non-ecclesiastical building that the Queen is visiting*, so long as it is requested by the owner. The royal standards are also flown from the Queen's car in official capacities and from aircraft carrying the Queen while on the ground. 

     When the Queen is not present at a royal palace, another flag is usually flown. At Buckingham Palace for example, the Union Flag is flown in place of the UK Royal Standard when the Queen is not there. But before 1997, no flag flew above any royal palace when the monarch was not in residence. When Diana, Princess of Wales died in August that year, the Queen and much of the royal family were on vacation in Scotland at Balmoral, which meant that no flag

The Union Jack and other flags fly over royal palaces
when the monarch is not in residence.

flew from the Palace at half-mast, and this caused controversy because it was believed in some quarters that the Queen was not paying proper tribute to her former daughter-in-law. In fact, the royal standards are not flown at half-mast because the Sovereign does not die. A new monarch immediately succeeds to the throne upon the death of his or her predecessor (which gives meaning to the phrase, "the King is dead, long live the King"). During that week in 1997, new protocol was drawn up allowing for the raising of the Union Flag above Buckingham Palace in the absence of the Queen, and the Union Flag could be flown at half-mast in honor of Diana. Subsequently, this practice was repeated for events such as the 9/11 attacks, the 7/7 bombings in London, and the death of Margaret Thatcher.

Royal Standards used in the United Kingdom 

Royal Standard of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

     The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom is used throughout the UK (except in Scotland) and around the world in non-Commonwealth countries. Within this banner is nearly 1000 years of history and tradition. Divided into four quadrants, the standard is actually three ancient standards in one, which represent the unity of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The first and fourth quadrants represent the ancient Kingdom of England, containing three gold lions passant guardant on a red field; the second quadrant represents the ancient Kingdom of Scotland, with a red lion rampant against a gold field; the third quadrant represents the ancient Kingdom of Ireland, containing a winged gold harp on a blue field.

The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom in Scotland.

     

     In Scotland, a distinct version of the UK Royal Standard is used. This standard features the Scottish red lion rampant against the gold field in the first and fourth quarters, which displaces the three English lions passant guardant and places them into the second quarter of the standard. The Irish harp remains unchanged in the third quarter. 

     Both the UK Royal Standard and the Scottish version have been in use in their present form since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. Under German Salic law, as a woman, she was not allowed to succeed her uncle William IV in the Kingdom of Hanover, which resulted in the removal of the Hanoverian representations in the royal standards of the United Kingdom. 

     Since then, the two standards have been passed down to each reigning British monarch without major alterations, and as Britain’s overseas colonies became independent realms, it became necessary to allow them to have them royal standards of their own for the use of the monarch.

Royal Standard of Canada 
 

The Royal Standard of Canada

     In 1961, Elizabeth II approved of a royal standard for her personal use as Queen of Canada, and the new standard was revealed in 1962. It contains the shield from the Arms of Canada, which had been adopted by her grandfather George V in 1921, and has a layout similar to that of the UK Royal Standard, but with elements unique to Canada. The first quarter contains the three gold lion’s passant guardant representing England (and Wales) against a red field; the second quarter represents Scotland with the red lion rampant on a gold field; the third quarter contains the gold harp of Ireland against a blue field; the fourth quarter represents Canada’s French heritage with three gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue field. Across the bottom are three red maple leaves representing the modern Canadian nation. In the center of the standard is a blue roundel within a wreath of gold leaves and roses which contains an E for Elizabeth II which is surmounted by the Crown of St. Edward. This is a device that is featured in all of the royal standards (except for the ones used in the UK), and which is used by the Queen in her personal flag as Head of the Commonwealth. 

     When the Queen is in Canada, the standard is flown from any building in which she is in residence, during state functions, and from vehicles in which she travels. It is also used during functions in which the Queen is representing Canada, such as at Juno Beach in France when the Queen was present for the commeration of the 1944 D-Day invasion of Normandy. This protocol is rarely broken, save for exceptional circumstances. On February 6th of last year, with the Queen's permission, the standard was raised over Rideau Hall, her residence in Ottawa, as well as on Parliament Hill and over the provincial legislatures of Canada, marking the 60th anniversary of her succession to the Canadian throne.

Royal Standard of Australia 

The Royal Standard of Australia

     

     The Queen’s royal standard for Australia was adopted in 1962, and is used by her as the Queen of Australia – either while she is in the country or representing it abroad. It takes its design from the shield within the Australian Coat of Arms, which itself was approved by King George V in 1912. The standard consists of six sections representing heraldic badges of the six Australian states. 

     The upper left badge represents New South Wales, which bears the Cross of St. George on a white field with a gold lion in the center of the cross and a gold star in each of its arms. In the upper middle section is the badge of Victoria, which contains the five stars of the Southern Cross surmounted by an Imperial Crown against a blue field. The upper right badge represents Queensland, consisting of a blue Maltese cross on a white field with an Imperial Crown inside of it. 

     In the lower left section is the badge representing South Australia, which contains a Piping Shrike – an emblematic bird probably based on the Australian Magpie – on a gold field. The lower middle section bears the badge of Western Australia, which includes a black swan against a gold field. In the lower right section is the badge representing Tasmania, which bears a red lion on a white field.

     At the center of the standard is a seven-pointed gold star representing the states and territories of Australia, and within the star is a blue disk which contains the Queen’s personal emblem from her flag as Head of the Commonwealth. Surrounding the standard is an ermine border representing the Australian federation.

Royal Standard of New Zealand 

The Royal Standard of New Zealand

      

     The Royal Standard for New Zealand was approved by Elizabeth II in 1962, and was first used by her has Queen of New Zealand in the following year during her tour of the country. It is also available for the Queen’s use whenever she is representing New Zealand abroad. It takes its design from the shield with the New Zealander Coat of Arms, which was adopted by King George V in 1911. The standard is divided into four quarters and a central stripe.

     In the first quadrant are four red stars against a blue field that are representative of the Southern Cross; the second quadrant contains a golden fleece (which is actually a muskox – one of several animals from which wool, and therefore fleece, can be made) on a red field; the third quadrant bears a golden wheat sheaf upon a red field; the fourth quadrant consists of two crossed gold hammers against a blue field, and the central stripe contains two ships.

     On the shield within the New Zealand Coat of Arms, the central stripe consists of three ships, but the Royal Standard differs by having the Queen’s personal emblem superimposed over the middle ship.

Royal Standard of Jamaica

The Royal Standard of Jamaica

     
     The Royal Standard of Jamaica was adopted by Elizabeth II in 1962, and it is used by her as Queen of Jamaica – either while she is in residence in the country or representing it abroad. Its design is derived from the shield within the Jamaican Coat of Arms, which were originally granted under Royal Warrant in either 1661 or 1662 by King Charles II, and likely designed by William Sancroft, who is more notable for being the 79^th Archbishop of Canterbury. 

     The Jamaican standard consists of a Cross of St. George against a white field, and a gold pineapple is placed on each of its arms. In the center of the cross is the personal emblem of Elizabeth II.

Royal Standard of Barbados

The Royal Standard of Barbados

     Upon its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Barbados decided to retain the monarchy, and as Queen of Barbados, Elizabeth II approved a new royal standard for the country. The standard is used by the Queen – either while she is in residence in the country or representing it abroad. Its design is derived from the shield within the Barbadian Coat of Arms, which were also issued by the Queen in 1966. 

     The Barbadian standard is a banner consisting of a gold field, upon which is a bearded fig tree – a symbol of Barbados – in the center, and the national flower, the red Pride of Barbados, in the top corners on either side. At the center of the tree is Queen’s personal emblem.

Personal Flag of Elizabeth II 

     The Queen’s emblem that is featured on all of the royal standards (except the ones used in the United Kingdom) was born out her desire to create a flag that would represent her as an individual, and not as the monarch of any particular country. This resulted in a flag with a blue field upon which is a wreath of gold leaves and roses which contains a golden E which is surmounted by the Crown of St. Edward. The E stands for Elizabeth II, the crown symbolizes her position and dignity, and the roses represent the nations of the Commonwealth.

     As the nations of the Commonwealth gained independence, this flag came to represent the Queen as the Head of the Commonwealth in Commonwealth realms in which a royal standard does not exist (such as the Bahamas and Tuvalu) and in Commonwealth countries where she is not head of state. The flag was first used during a 1961 visit to India, which had become a republic eleven years previously. 

     It is also used in place of the royal standards when the Queen is performing duties as Head of the Commonwealth wherever she is present. For example, when the Queen visits the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House in London, her personal flag, not the UK Royal Standard, is raised above the building.

Wales and the Royal Standard

     The common purpose of the royal standards is that they are symbolic embodiments of the countries they represent. From the golden fleece in Australia’s standard (representing the country’s wool industry) to the maple leaf of Canada, the standards are supposed to represent unity within the realms in which the Queen is head of state. However, for some people, this does not hold true with regard to the royal standards used in the United Kingdom.

     The main Royal Standard used in the UK as well as the Scottish variant does not include a representation for Wales. The reason why is because Wales was considered a principality within the Kingdom of England at the time of the unions with the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of Ireland. Hence, on the main Royal Standard, the arms of England appear in the first and fourth quarters, and Wales is considered to be represented within them. In the Royal Standard of the UK used in Scotland, the Scottish arms appear in the first and fourth quarters – again, with no visible Welsh representation. 

     It is worth bearing note that this symbolic anomaly is not high on the minds of the Welsh people, nor is it a red letter issue on the political agenda in Wales and the United Kingdom, but it is something which is used from time to time by Welsh nationalists as a reason for Wales to secede from the UK. While such people are not much more than a vocal minority, the fact remains that modern-day Wales is no longer a part of England, and it ought to be visibly represented in the royal standards and other national symbols of the United Kingdom – such as the Union Jack – just as are Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England. 

     Such a change would, in this author’s opinion, do much to strengthen and preserve the integrity of the United Kingdom by giving Wales a more equal standing alongside its neighbors, which also helps to preserve the integrity of the monarchy, because its strength is derived from the unity - both real and symbolic - of the British nation.

     Indeed, the monarchy thrives off of unity. The ceremonial pageantry for which it well-known is something that helps to bind not only the peoples of Britain, but also of the Commonwealth, together. The royal standards used by the Queen are symbolic of the power of the monarchy and the extent to which it fuses a common sense of identity and nationhood, as well as the links - both modern and historical - between the countries it represents.

*Westminster Abbey and other churches that are "Royal Peculiar's" (under the direct authority of the monarch, and not a bishop or archbishop of the Church of England) have the Royal Standard raised above them when the monarch is in residence.



Photo Credit: Conay via Wikimedia Commons cc, Barryob via Wikimedia Commons cc, Barryob via Wikimedia Commons cc, Editor at Large (Ayelie) via Wikimedia Commons cc, Denelson83 via Wikimedia Commons cc, Barryob via Wikimedia Commons cc, Barryob via Wikimedia Commons cc, Beao via Wikimedia Commons cc

Sources:

• Article: Barbadian Coat of Arms
• Australian Government - Coat of Arms
• Governor-General of Canada - Royal Standard 
• National Library of Jamaica - National Symbols 
• National Arms of New Zealand 
• New Zealand Government - Royal Standard 
• Royal Standard of Australia - Wikipedia 
• Royal Standard of Barbados - Wikipedia
• Royal Standard of Canada - Wikipedia
• Royal Standard of Jamaica - Wikipedia 
• Royal Standard of New Zealand - Wikipedia
• Royal Standards of the United Kingdom - Wikipedia 
• UK Monarchy (Official Website) - Royal Standard