Heraldic badge facts for kids

This is "The Prince of Wales's Feathers," a famous heraldic badge. It belongs to the person who will become the next British king or queen.

This is a heraldic badge for a Gentleman of Arms in England.

A heraldic badge is a special symbol. It's like a logo that helps people recognize a person, family, or group. While it's similar to a coat of arms, it's not the same thing. Badges are given out by the same official groups that grant coats of arms.

What is a Heraldic Badge?

A heraldic badge is a unique design. It's often used by the friends, family, or followers of someone who has a coat of arms. Imagine a knight in medieval times. He would have his own coat of arms. But his helpers or soldiers couldn't use his full coat of arms. Instead, they would wear a badge. This badge helped everyone know who they were connected to. It was a way to show loyalty and belonging.

Badges in History

In the past, badges were very important. They helped people identify each other on the battlefield. They also showed who was part of a powerful family or noble's group. These badges were often worn on clothing or carried on flags. They were a simple way to communicate identity without needing a full, complex coat of arms.

Badges Today

Today, heraldic badges are still used. Many towns and cities in England have their own coats of arms. Usually, only the mayor and the main council members can use the full coat of arms. But different departments of the council use a badge. You might see these badges on council vehicles or uniforms. They help people recognize official services. Just like coats of arms, badges can only be used by permission. They belong to the person or group they were granted to.

The Prince of Wales's Feathers

One very famous example is "The Prince of Wales's Feathers." This is the badge of the person who is next in line to become the British monarch. The prince's coat of arms and the monarch's coat of arms are very similar. So, the badge helps to easily tell them apart. It's a simple, clear symbol that everyone recognizes.

Images for kids

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  Standard of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, about 1475, features the Stafford knot and Bohun swan badges.

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  The Dunstable Swan Jewel, based on a livery badge of about 1400 AD, perhaps of Henry V as Prince of Wales. British Museum

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  The Château de Blois, with the porcupine of Louis XII

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  Badges of Earls of Stafford, 1720