Royal blue and gold are two colors that have been associated with royalty, wealth, and prestige throughout history. Blue has long been considered the color of kings and queens, used for royal garments and decor. Gold is universally associated with wealth, status and luxury across many cultures. When combined, royal blue and gold evoke an image of majesty, nobility and opulence.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and symbolism behind royal blue and gold, looking at how they became linked with royalty and high status. We’ll examine their use in flags, uniforms, and other regalia of monarchies and powerful institutions over the centuries. We’ll also look at examples of royal blue and gold in art, architecture and design. By the end, you’ll understand why this color pairing continues to represent privilege and authority today.
The History of Royal Blue
The rich, deep shade of blue known as royal blue has long been associated with aristocracy and royalty. As early as the 12th century, the blue dye ultramarine, made from lapis lazuli stones mined in Afghanistan, was used to color the clothing and robes of kings, queens and high-ranking religious figures in Europe. Due to the difficulty of obtaining the precious stones and producing the dye, ultramarine blue was even more expensive than gold at the time. Wearing royal blue was a visual symbol of extreme wealth and status.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, European kings and queens continued to wear blue garments made with ultramarine dye. Portraits from this era often depict monarchs in vivid blue clothing, demonstrating their exalted position in society. Queen Elizabeth I of England was famous for her outlandish royal blue gowns dotted with pearls and precious stones. The French king Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” also wore royal blue garments lavished in gold detailing.
By the 18th century, new dyes and mass production methods made it possible to reproduce a rich royal blue color more affordably. Military uniforms, French aristocratic coats, and British Empire flags increasingly featured this regal shade of blue. It came to represent tradition, authority, and imperial power.
The Symbolism of Gold
Gold has signified wealth, prestige and status across cultures for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried in gold funeral masks and ornaments representing their divinity. In medieval Europe, gold was woven into robes and crowns to display the supremacy of royalty. Chinese emperors bestowed gifts of gold upon loyal subjects as rewards. Gold’s association with deities, the sun, and perfection gave it universal appeal as a symbol of rarity and importance.
The unique properties of gold contribute to its symbolic significance. Its radiant color evokes the warmth of sunlight. Gold does not rust, tarnish or corrode, giving it a sense of enduring permanence. The malleability of pure gold allows it to be crafted into finely detailed jewelry, ornamentation and religious artifacts. Gold bullion served as the basis for monetary systems and exchange. Possessing substantial reserves of gold demonstrated a ruler or nation’s political and economic supremacy.
Today gold remains a universal symbol of wealth and status, used extensively in jewelry, awards, architecture and decor. Gold or golden color is incorporated into company logos, luxury merchandise and accessories to communicate value. The metallic sheen of gold conveys qualities like achievement, prosperity and quality. Gold retains its ancient magic as a material that confers power, recognition and prestige.
Royal Blue and Gold in Heraldry
In heraldry, the practice of designing symbolic coats of arms, royal blue and gold feature extensively. Heraldry originated in 12th century England and spread across medieval Europe. Coats of arms served as a visual identification for individuals, families and institutions. The colors and symbols used in a coat of arms conveyed specific meanings.
Royal blue fields or backgrounds represent loyalty, wisdom and truth. Gold symbols and detailing signify honor, generosity, and prosperity. British royalty incorporated royal blue and gold into crests and heraldic devices starting in the Middle Ages. For example, the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom contains a golden lion against a royal blue background.
Royal blue and gold also appear prominently in academic and institutional coats of arms. University coats of arms use the colors to communicate wisdom, achievement and prestige. The Smithsonian Institution integrates royal blue and gold into its official emblem, representing enlightenment and the preservation of culture. In heraldry, this regal color pairing has come to represent knowledge, privilege and tradition.
Use in National Flags
The royal blue and gold combination features importantly in the national flags and colors of many countries with historical monarchies and imperial ties to Britain. For instance, the national flag of Australia contains royal blue, gold and the Union Jack, reflecting its origins as a British colony and Commonwealth nation. The flag of New Zealand similarly incorporates the Union Jack against a field of royal blue, with the stars of the Southern Cross in red and gold.
Many Caribbean nations whose history is tied to British rule also display royal blue and gold on their flags and as national colors. The vibrant hues connect them to their colonial past while representing independence and sovereignty. Examples include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Tuvalu, among others. By evoking British royal traditions, these colors allow former colonies to emphasize continuity while embracing a new national identity.
Military and Organizational Uniforms
Royal blue uniforms with gold buttons and accents have long been used for military and institutional dress codes. During the 18th century, the British Army began outfitting regimental officers in dark blue coatees, trousers and bicorne hats for ceremonial uniforms. Gold lace and buttons were added as trim to distinguish elite units. This royal blue and gold military uniform style persists across many Commonwealth nations today.
Police and flight attendant uniforms also integrate royal blue with rank markings and buttons in gold. Academic regalia, such as graduation caps and gowns, traditionally uses royal blue and gold for hoods and tassels to denote advanced degrees. The royal blue and gold pairing projects formality and professionalism in organizational attire.
In Art and Architecture
Artists and architects have utilized combinations of royal blue and gold to represent luxury and power for centuries. During the Baroque era, royal blue draping against gilded backgrounds was often seen in aristocratic portraiture and religious artwork to dazzle viewers. The Rococo, Neoclassical and Romantic art movements continued to use velvety royal blue contrasted with golden accents and frames to convey privilege.
Royal blue and gold feature extensively in church interiors, palace decor and government buildings as symbols of authority. The grand dome of Portugal’s National Pantheon is vivid royal blue adorned with ornate golden detailing. Royal blue and goldenrod yellow make up the iconic color scheme of Sweden’s Royal Palace in Stockholm. From Byzantine mosaics to contemporary business lobbies, this regal pairing leaves a lavish impression.
Modern Corporate and Branding Uses
In today’s corporate environment, royal blue and gold remain popular livery colors for communicating premium quality. High-end car manufacturers like Bentley and Aston Martin employ royal blue for their logo and interiors, along with gold trim on grilles, wheels and badges. Major technology, finance and consulting firms frequently use royal blue in logos and branding to project expertise and reliability.
The pairing is common for premium credit cards, awards and certificates as well. Royal blue boxes with gold lettering convey luxury and style for jewelry and fashion houses. Contemporary interior design also utilizes royal blue and metallic gold accents in wallpaper, furniture and decor for an upscale, elegant aesthetic. The royal color combination retains a versatile appeal for modern formal and ceremonial occasions.
| Time Period | Use of Royal Blue and Gold |
|---|---|
| Middle Ages | Royal garments dyed with ultramarine, royal coats of arms |
| Renaissance Era | Portraits of royalty and nobility in royal blue and gold-trimmed outfits |
| 18th Century | Military uniforms, aristocratic dress coats with gold buttons |
| 19th Century | National flags, academic regalia, religious and government architecture |
| Today | Corporate branding and logos, luxury goods packaging, premium credit cards, ceremonial attire |
Conclusion
Throughout history, the pairing of royal blue and gold has maintained powerful associations with status, quality and prestige. The roots of this regal color combination come from the materials and dyes accessible only to royalty centuries ago. Use of royal blue and gold evolved into a visual shorthand for communicating luxury, achievement and authority across various domains.
Blue and gold heraldry was appropriated by former British colonies in national flags and anthems as a way to tap into centuries of meaning. Militaries and elite institutions worldwide adopted the pairing to convey honor and professionalism. Contemporary corporations in finance, technology, auto, and other industries leverage royal blue and gold for premium branding. This classic color scheme continues to represent excellence and formal recognition across cultures today.
So in summary, royal blue and gold together represent privilege, prosperity and majesty through their historical connections to royalty. Their endurance as a prestigious pairing after centuries speaks to the magnetic visual impact royal blue and gold create when united.
