The national coat of arms of the United Kingdom is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and heritage. It is a complex design that incorporates various elements that represent different aspects of the country’s history and culture. The coat of arms is officially known as the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, and it is used by the monarch, government, and other official bodies.
The coat of arms is dominated by a shield that is divided into four quarters. Each quarter contains a different symbol that represents one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The first quarter contains three lions passant guardant, which is the emblem of England. The second quarter contains a rampant lion, which is the emblem of Scotland. The third quarter contains a dragon, which is the emblem of Wales. The fourth quarter contains a harp, which is the emblem of Ireland.
Above the shield is a royal crown, which represents the monarchy. The crown is made up of a circlet of gold with eight arches, each of which is adorned with a precious stone. The circlet is surmounted by a cross pattee, which is a symbol of the Christian faith.
On either side of the shield are the supporters, which are two mythical creatures known as the lion and the unicorn. The lion represents England, while the unicorn represents Scotland. The two creatures are shown holding up the shield, and they are standing on a compartment that is decorated with a Tudor rose, a thistle, a shamrock, and a leek. These are the national emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively.
Above the crown is a helmet, which is a symbol of chivalry. The helmet is adorned with a mantling, which is a decorative cloth that is draped over the helmet. The mantling is made up of two colors: red and ermine. These colors are also used in the supporters and the compartment.
The coat of arms is surrounded by a motto, which is “Dieu et mon droit”. This is a French phrase that means “God and my right”. It is the motto of the monarch, and it represents the divine right of kings.
The colors used in the coat of arms are significant. The red and white of the shield are the colors of the cross of St. George, which is the patron saint of England. The blue and white of the Scottish flag are used in the rampant lion. The green and white of the Welsh flag are used in the dragon. The gold and blue of the Irish flag are used in the harp. The red and ermine of the mantling are the colors of the Tudor dynasty, which ruled England from 1485 to 1603.
The history of the coat of arms can be traced back to the 12th century, when knights began to use heraldry to identify themselves on the battlefield. Over time, these symbols became more elaborate and were used to represent families, cities, and countries. The coat of arms of the United Kingdom has evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing political and cultural landscape of the country.
The current version of the coat of arms was adopted in 1837, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was designed by William IV’s heraldic artist, William Henry Pyne. The design was based on the previous coat of arms, which had been in use since the reign of George III.
The coat of arms is an important symbol of the United Kingdom’s history and culture. It represents the country’s unity and diversity, and it is a reminder of the monarchy’s role in the country’s governance