Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom

Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom is the official heraldic emblem of the British monarch, currently Charles III. It symbolises the sovereignty of the monarch and is used extensively by the Government of the United Kingdom as a national symbol. The complex design incorporates the heraldic elements of the historic kingdoms within the United Kingdom and has evolved significantly since its first adoption.

Description and symbolism

The shield is quartered, featuring the three passant guardant lions of England in the first and fourth quarters, the rampant lion of Scotland in the second quarter, and the golden harp of Ireland in the third quarter. The crest atop the helm is a lion statant guardant, wearing the St Edward's Crown. The dexter supporter is a similarly crowned lion, representing England, while the sinister supporter is a chained unicorn, symbolising Scotland, evoking the Union of the Crowns under James VI and I. The compartment features the floral emblems of the Tudor rose, Thistle, and Shamrock. The motto Dieu et mon droit (God and my right) appears on a scroll beneath, a phrase associated with Henry V and the Hundred Years' War. The whole is encircled by the Order of the Garter, the senior order of chivalry founded by Edward III.

History

The arms originated from the hereditary arms of the Plantagenet kings, notably the three lions first used by Richard the Lionheart. The union with Scotland in 1603 under James VI and I saw the impalement of the arms of England and Scotland, with the harp for Ireland added under James VI and I. Following the Acts of Union 1707, the arms were rearranged to place England and Scotland in alternating quarters. The accession of the House of Hanover in 1714 introduced the arms of Hanover to the design, which remained until the reign of Queen Victoria following the Salic law succession in Hanover. The present form, without the Hanoverian quarter, was adopted upon her accession in 1837. Minor changes have occurred with each new monarch, such as the style of the crown used, most recently updated for Charles III.

Variants

A distinct version is used in Scotland, where the Scottish lion occupies the first and fourth quarters of the shield, the English lions are moved to the second quarter, and the unicorn supporter is placed on the dexter side, crowned with the Scottish crown. The motto is the Scottish motto Nemo me impune lacessit, and the compartment features only Scottish thistles. The monarch uses this version when in Scotland, as seen on official buildings like the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The UK Government uses a simplified version, without the helm, mantling, or crest, on official documents and departmental buildings. The Royal Arms of Canada, granted by George V, and those of other Commonwealth realms are also variants, incorporating local symbols.

Usage

The arms are employed extensively as a symbol of state authority. They appear on all Acts of Parliament, on the cover of British passports, and on the uniforms of the Metropolitan Police. They are displayed in courts, such as the Old Bailey, and on the official residences of the monarch, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The arms are also used by several national institutions, including the Bank of England and Royal Mail. In a military context, they feature on the colours and standards of regiments, including those of the British Army, and on the badges of ships of the Royal Navy. Commercial use is strictly restricted by law under the Trade Marks Act 1994 to prevent misuse or misrepresentation of royal authority. Category:National coats of arms Category:British monarchy Category:National symbols of the United Kingdom