What is the British motto?

Why is the British motto in French?

The sovereign, rather conservative, wanted to keep Norman as his language at court. Thus, he chose the motto “Dieu et mon droit” for the Kingdom of England. This phrase came from Richard the Lionheart (Richard Cœur de Lion, in French), monarch of the country between 1189 and 1199.

What does it say on the royal coat of arms?

The circlet is inscribed with the order of the motto: “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (shame on he who thinks evil). Above the shield is the royal crown which is topped with a golden crowned lion. A lion, representing England, stands on the “Dexter” (right-hand) side.

Why are UK passports in French?

Passports were written in Latin or English until 1772, then in French until 1858. Since that time, they have been written in English, with some sections translated into French. … Thus, in 1915 the British government developed a new format of passport that could be mass-produced and used to quickly identify the bearer.

Why is the unicorn chained on British passport?

Why is the unicorn chained? … The unicorn was believed to be the strongest of all animals – wild and untamed, and that it could only be humbled by a virgin maiden. It is possible that the entrapment symbolises the power of the Scottish kings – they were strong enough to tame even a unicorn.

Where do the 3 lions come from?

The three lions are the emblem of England. William the Conqueror used two lions on a red background as his coat of arms and brought this symbol to the English throne.

What is the crest on the British passport?

The crest is a statant guardant lion wearing the St Edward’s Crown, himself on another representation of that crown. The dexter supporter is a likewise crowned English lion; the sinister, a Scottish unicorn.
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