Why the UK Passport Shows a Unicorn — and What the Lion Means
Have you ever noticed the lion and unicorn on the front of a UK passport?
They aren’t random decorations. They tell a story of history, unity, and faith — and even point to a deeper biblical truth. The Royal Coat of Arms at a Glance
Lion (England): Symbol of courage, royalty, and strength. Used by English kings since the 12th century, especially Richard the Lionheart.
Unicorn (Scotland): Symbol of purity, power, and freedom restrained. The chain around its neck represents Scotland’s strength joined under the English crown. Shield: Displays emblems of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Crown: Represents the authority of the monarchy. Motto: Dieu et mon droit — “God and my right.”
Why a Unicorn?
The unicorn represents Scotland. When King James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, the two kingdoms were joined under one monarch. The royal coat of arms was redesigned to include both national animals — the English lion and the Scottish unicorn — standing together in unity.
The Motto “Dieu et mon droit”
The motto beneath the shield reads “Dieu et mon droit”, which means “God and my right.” It’s written in Old French, the language of the royal court after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
- Origin: First used by King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) around 1198.
- Meaning: “By the grace of God, I have the right to rule.”
- Language: Old French was used for centuries in royal and legal settings.
- Where it appears: The phrase is on the scroll beneath the shield on the UK passport cover.
Today, the motto is more symbolic — a reminder that the Crown’s authority is historic and constitutional, not absolute.
The Lion and the Bible — The “Lion of Judah” The lion doesn’t just represent England. It also has deep biblical roots.
In the Bible, Jesus Christ is called “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah”: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” — Revelation 5:5
And in Genesis 49:9–10, Judah is described as a lion, with the sceptre (symbol of rule) never departing from him.
The Lion of Judah represents:
- Power and kingship
- Courage and victory
- Righteous authority from God
When medieval Christian kings adopted lions on their banners, they reflected this same idea — leadership and strength under God.
Faith and Symbolism Today
The UK coat of arms reminds us that:
Strength and authority are given by God, not self-made.
The lion and unicorn together show unity through power restrained by peace.
The motto “God and my right” points to a higher authority — the belief that all human power should answer to God’s justice. Christians see in these royal symbols a picture of Christ’s kingship: He is the Lion and the Lamb — powerful, pure, and full of mercy.
Quick Answers
Which God does the motto refer to? Historically, the Christian God. The phrase expresses the king’s right to rule under divine authority.
Why is the motto in French? Because French was the royal language of England for centuries after 1066.
Is the unicorn chained because it’s conquered? Not exactly. The chain symbolises strength under control — a powerful creature that chooses to serve in unity.
Where is the motto on the passport? On the scroll beneath the shield within the coat of arms printed on the front cover.
Conclusion
The lion, the unicorn, and the words “Dieu et mon droit” together tell a story of power, unity, and faith. They connect England and Scotland, history and scripture, earthly authority and divine kingship. And for believers, they serve as a reminder: Jesus Christ, the true Lion of Judah, reigns with strength and righteousness forever.