The Anchor And The Crown: 5 Shocking Secrets Behind The Coat Of Arms Of The Dukes Of York
The Coat of Arms of the Dukes of York is one of the most historically significant and visually complex pieces of heraldry in the British Royal Family, representing centuries of tradition and, more recently, modern controversy. As of December 21, 2025, the heraldic banner associated with the current holder of the title, Prince Andrew, has been removed from public display at locations like Windsor Castle, marking a symbolic shift in his public role, yet the arms themselves remain a powerful emblem of the Dukedom.
The arms are not a static design; they are a constantly evolving visual biography, always derived from the reigning monarch's Royal Arms but "differenced" to denote the holder's place in the line of succession. From the Plantagenet era's struggle for the throne to the current Duke's personal nod to his naval career, the coat of arms tells a fascinating story of power, lineage, and personal history.
HRH The Prince Andrew, Duke of York: Biographical Profile
The current Duke of York is Prince Andrew, the third child and second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His life and career have been marked by significant royal duties and a distinguished military background, which is subtly reflected in his personal heraldry.
- Full Name: Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor
- Born: February 19, 1960, at Buckingham Palace, London, England
- Parents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- Title: Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh (created 1986)
- Military Career: Served as a long-time officer and helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy, including service during the Falklands War
- Public Status: Stepped back from public royal duties in 2019. While he retains the title, he is no longer using the style "His Royal Highness" in an official capacity.
The Blazon of the Current Duke: A Naval Difference
The official description of the current Duke of York's coat of arms, known as the *blazon*, is a masterclass in heraldic tradition, following the strict rules of *cadency*—the system for distinguishing the arms of different members of the same family. The arms are essentially the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, altered by a small but crucial addition.
The Shield (Arms)
The main shield is the Royal Arms, quartered to represent the constituent parts of the United Kingdom:
- First and Fourth Quarters: Gules (red), three lions passant guardant in pale Or (gold) (for England)
- Second Quarter: Or (gold), a lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory Gules (red) (for Scotland)
- Third Quarter: Azure (blue), a harp Or (gold) stringed Argent (silver) (for Ireland)
To distinguish Prince Andrew's arms from the Sovereign's, a *label* is placed across the top of the shield. This is a white (Argent) band with three points, a traditional mark of the second son of a monarch. The central point of this label is charged with a blue (Azure) anchor.
The Significance of the Anchor
The blue anchor is the most personal and unique element of the current Duke of York's arms. It is a direct reference to his long and distinguished career in the Royal Navy, where he served for 22 years. This practice of adding a personal charge to the label is not new, but the anchor is a powerful symbol of his service and connection to the sea.
Crest, Supporters, and Motto
As a Prince of the United Kingdom, the Duke of York's arms are also typically displayed with the other elements of the Royal Arms:
- Crest: The Royal Crest (a lion statant guardant Or, imperially crowned).
- Supporters: The Royal Supporters (the crowned Lion of England and the chained Unicorn of Scotland).
- Motto: The Royal Motto, *Dieu et mon droit* (God and my right), is often displayed below the shield.
A Heraldic History: How the Arms of the Dukes of York Have Changed
The Dukedom of York is one of the most senior titles in the British peerage, first created in 1385 for Edmund of Langley, the fourth son of King Edward III. Over its various creations, the coat of arms has always been a variation of the Royal Arms, but the specific "difference" has changed dramatically, often reflecting political turbulence or the holder's specific lineage.
1. Edmund of Langley (1st Creation)
As the first Duke of York and a son of the Sovereign, Edmund of Langley bore the Royal Arms differenced by a plain white label of three points. This simple design established the fundamental rule of cadency for the Duke of York.
2. The House of York (Plantagenet Dynasty)
The third Duke of York, Richard Plantagenet, was a central figure in the Wars of the Roses, whose claim to the throne was symbolised by his arms.
- The Difference: Richard bore the Royal Arms with a label of three points, but the first point was charged with a red (Gules) Canton (a small square).
- The Significance: This specific difference was a crucial political statement, marking his descent and claim. His arms, and the white rose badge associated with the House of York, became the rallying cry against the House of Lancaster.
3. Prince Frederick (Duke of York and Albany)
Prince Frederick, the second son of King George III, held the title Duke of York and Albany. His arms featured a different charge on the central point of the label, reflecting the changing royal tradition:
- The Difference: His label had a white central point charged with a red St George’s Cross.
- The Significance: This cross is a patriotic emblem of England, and its use distinguished his arms from his brothers.
4. King George V (Before Accession)
Before ascending the throne, George V was the Duke of York. His arms were differenced by a label of five points (as the grandson of a monarch), but the central point was charged with a red Cross of St George. This difference was later passed to his brother, who became King George VI, when he was created Duke of York.
The Modern Controversy and Heraldic Removal
The most recent and significant development regarding the Duke of York's heraldry is the symbolic removal of his heraldic banner from public display. Following the decision by Prince Andrew to cease using his military titles and royal patronages, the banner—which prominently displayed his coat of arms—was taken down from the wall of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
This action highlights the crucial distinction between a title and its associated privileges. While Prince Andrew remains the Duke of York (the title can only be revoked by an Act of Parliament), the public display of his arms and banners, which signify his active royal and military roles, has been curtailed. This event underscores that in the modern era, royal heraldry is not just a matter of lineage, but also a reflection of public service and standing.
The coat of arms of the Dukes of York, therefore, serves as a living document of the British monarchy. It is a visual link stretching from the medieval Plantagenet era to the present day, with each small modification—whether a red canton, a St George’s cross, or a blue anchor—telling a unique, and often controversial, chapter in royal history.
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