Q. Do coats of arms belong to surnames?

A. No. There is no such thing as a 'coat of arms for a surname'. Many people of the same surname will often be entitled to completely different coats of arms, and many of that surname will be entitled to no coat of arms. Coats of arms belong to individuals. For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male or female from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past.

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Q. How do I seek a new coat of arms?

A. The Prince of Arms and the subordinate Heralds are deputed by the Crown to make grants of new arms to individuals within their jurisdiction. The grant is made by a formal document, and may be illuminated by hand, with the seals of the Princess of the Northern Forests bound in Wax. Those interested in being granted a coat of arms should contact the Prince of Arms of the Northern forests.

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Q. What are the pantone numbers for the colours used in heraldry?

A. There are no fixed shades for heraldic colours. If the official description of a coat of arms gives its tinctures as Gules (red), Azure (blue) and Argent (white or silver) then, as long as the blue is not too light and the red not too orange, purple or pink, it is up to the artist to decide which particular shades they think are appropriate.

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Q. What are the pantone numbers for the colours used in heraldry?

A. There are no fixed shades for heraldic colours. If the official description of a coat of arms gives its tinctures as Gules (red), Azure (blue) and Argent (white or silver) then, as long as the blue is not too light and the red not too orange, purple or pink, it is up to the artist to decide which particular shades they think are appropriate.

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Q. What is a crest?

A. It is a popular misconception that the word 'crest' describes a whole coat of arms or any heraldic device. It does not. A crest is a specific part of a full achievement of arms: the three-dimensional object placed on top of the helm.

 

Q. Can you identify a crest or shield for me?

A. The heralds can very often identify coats of arms, crests and mottoes by carrying out research in the records and printed sources . Please send an enquiry to the Prince of Arms of the Northern Forests.

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Q. I am not a citizen of the Principality of the Northern Forests, can I have a coat of arms?

A. Yes, the Prince of Arms, at his discretion, can grant you a new coat of arms, but will not use any Principality of the Northern Forests specific elements in that grant unless you are made a Citizen of the Northern Forests. 

 

Q. Can you advise on flags, military badges and colours, knighthoods, peerages and related matters?

A. Yes, we can; please send an enquiry to the Prince of Arms of the Northern Forests.