The College of Arms is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and much of the Commonwealth including Australia and New Zealand.
As well as being responsible for the granting of new coats of arms, the College maintains registers of arms, pedigrees, genealogies, Royal Licences, changes of name, and flags. The heralds, besides having ceremonial duties, advise on all matters relating to the peerage and baronetage, precedence, honours and ceremonial as well as national and community symbols including flags.
On May 14th, 1958 the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms her Majesty Queen Elizabeth granted the Cayman Islands with it’s own Coat of Arms. and the College of Arms was it’s birth place. So begins our journey to find out more about the history of our National Coat of Arms, the point at which The Cayman Islands started to be recognised by the UK as it’s own territory.
Mr Bush visited the Royal College of Arms and met with Garter Principle King of Arms to learn more about the history of the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms. During a the visit, Mr Bush was able to study the original ‘Royal Grant’, signed by HRH The Queen approving the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms – the first national symbol of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands Government have now commissioned two copies of the warrant and the original Coat of Arms.
It was fascinating to learn more about the history of the Coat of Arms, and to discover two alternative versions versions, which showcase the thoughts of those attempting to capture the essence of the Cayman Islands in one symbol. The Cayman Islands Government Office looks forward to sharing the history of the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms in the coming months.
This month also saw the Cayman Islands Honours List celebrated at National Hero’s Day. Major David Rankin Hunt, a 30+ year veteran of the Royal Household travelled to Cayman to observe and evaluate the celebrations with a view to advising on a programme to reform the National Honours and Awards Ceremony in the Cayman Islands. Major Hunt will offer expertise and advise on how the Cayman Islands can enhance the Honours system.
For more information about our Diamond Jubilee celebrations see our July ARTICLE HERE.
