The royal colors associated with the British monarchy are rich in history and meaning. They are incorporated into flags, banners, uniforms, and other regalia as symbols of the Crown and the United Kingdom. The three main royal colors are red, blue, and gold. Each color has its own significance and has been used for centuries to represent royalty. Understanding the origins and symbolism behind the royal colors provides insight into British culture and traditions.
The History of the Royal Colors
The royal colors can be traced back centuries in British history. Red and blue have been used since medieval times to represent different English counties and towns. Red was used for southern England and blue for northern England. When the Tudor dynasty came to power in 1485, they combined the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York to create the Tudor Rose, a symbol of unity following the Wars of the Roses. The Tudors established red and white as the main royal colors during their reign.
Gold later emerged as the third main royal color, representing the wealth and magnificence of the monarchy. The gold color was prominently used during the reigns of the Stuart and Hanoverian kings and queens. By the 18th century, red, blue, and gold were firmly established as the official royal colors we recognize today. They have continued to be used into the modern era to represent the shared history of the monarchy.
The Meaning Behind the Royal Colors
Each of the royal colors has its own symbolism and connections to royalty:
Red – Red invokes qualities of strength, passion, and courage. Historically, red has been used by British royalty to proclaim power and authority. Red appears in royal banners, state uniforms, throne rooms, and other regalia. The bold red color commands attention and respect.
Blue – Blue represents wisdom, dignity, and nobility. It has been associated with royalty since ancient times when rare ultramarine blue pigment was more valuable than gold. The deep blue color suggests tradition and stability. Blue frequently accents royal symbols and architecture.
Gold – Gold is the color of wealth, opulence, and success. The shimmering metallic shade conveys the luxury surrounding the British monarchy. Gold highlights can be seen on crowns, scepters, and royal carriages and architecture. The eye-catching color immediately conveys royalty.
Use of the Royal Colors
The royal colors are prominently displayed across many aspects of the monarchy:
Flags and Banners – British royal standards and heraldic flags contain combinations of red, blue, and gold. For example, the Royal Standard shows the red, blue, and gold coat of arms of the United Kingdom against a red or blue background.
Military Uniforms – Red tunics and blue jackets have long been hallmarks of British army and navy uniforms. Gold buttons, aiguillettes, and other trimmings add regal embellishments.
Architecture – Royal residences like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle prominently feature red, blue, and gold in the exterior stonework, roofing, carpets, wallpaper, and decor. The colors communicate monarchical heritage.
Crowns and Regalia – Precious metals, ermine fur, crimson velvet, sapphires, and rubies are used in the Crown Jewels and royal ceremonial objects. Red and blue stones are set in golden crowns, scepters, and orbs.
Ceremonies and Functions – On state occasions, red carpet and blue velvet drapes with golden tassels and trim solemnly convey Britishroyal authority.
Royal Colors in Modern Britain
While the royal colors remain pillars of the monarchy, some additional colors have taken on royal meanings in contemporary Britain:
Purple – Purple has historically been associated with royalty and nobility due to the rarity and high cost of purple dyes. It is now seen at some royal events and on aristocratic or special issuance postage stamps.
Green – Lighter shades of green represent growth, harmony, and the lush British countryside. Green is sometimes incorporated through sashes, decoration, or royal gardens.
Black – Black conveys tradition, sophistication, and authority. Black tie dress is required at formal royal evenings. Black also signifies mourning, as seen after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
White – White represents purity and peace. British royal brides often wear white wedding gowns and floral arrangements feature white blossoms at royal weddings.
While red, blue, and gold remain the standard, the monarchy flexibly adds modern colors to maintain both historical traditions and contemporary relevance.
Use of Royal Colors Outside the UK
As a legacy of the British Empire, the royal colors hold significance in other realms and territories outside the United Kingdom. The red, white, and blue from the Union Jack often inspire national flags and coats of arms. Royal blue and gold adorn uniforms, awards, governmental buildings, and regalia across the Commonwealth realms. This reflects the ongoing cultural influence and unifying presence of the British monarchy across the globe.
Some examples of the use of royal colors beyond Britain include:
- Red, white, and blue on the flags of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu, and other Commonwealth nations
- Blue sashes and gold chains of office worn by governors-general and other officials
- Red and blue on military badges and medals like the Order of the British Empire
- The Queen’s Personal Flags for Canada and Australia featuring blue and gold symbols
- Red coats and gold braiding on ceremonial guards in Jamaica, Bahamas, and elsewhere
Royal Colors on Family Coats of Arms
The royal colors can also be observed on the heraldic coats of arms used by Queen Elizabeth II and members of the British royal family:
The Queen
- Quartered shield featuring red and blue lions and harps against a gold background
- Crowned helmet and golden mantling
- Supporters include a golden lion and silver unicorn
- Motto “Dieu et mon droit” on blue scroll with red edges
Prince of Wales
- Coat of arms shows the red dragon of Wales against a gold and blue background
- Displays white label with red edges indicating the heir apparent
- Crowned with a gold coronet and helmet over ermine mantling
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
- Quartered gold and red shield with blue labels
- White and red roses symbolize the historic Tudor rose
- Crowned by the blue coronet of an heir with gold fleurs-de-lis
- White and gold mantle lined with red
The royal arms evolve over generations while preserving regal connections to history through the timeless red, blue, and gold colors.
Conclusion
Red, blue, and gold represent the enduring traditions and authority of the British monarchy. The royal colors convey prestige and power across centuries of British culture. They add splendor and meaning to flags, uniforms, buildings, ceremonies, and other symbols associated with royalty both within the United Kingdom and beyond. Though additional colors may complement them, the red, blue, and gold at the core of British regalia will continue inspiring loyalty and pride in the Crown.