Why the UK Passport Shows a Unicorn — and What the Lion Means
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
Courage, royalty and strength. Used by English kings since the 12th century, especially Richard the Lionheart.
Purity, power, and freedom restrained. The chain around its neck represents Scotland’s strength joined under the English crown.
Displays the emblems of England, Scotland and Ireland together.
Represents the authority of the monarchy.
“God and my right” — written in Old French on the scroll beneath the shield.
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 — 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.
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. And 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
Historically, the Christian God. The phrase expresses the king’s right to rule under divine authority.
Because French was the royal language of England for centuries after 1066.
Not exactly. The chain symbolises strength under control — a powerful creature that chooses to serve in unity.
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.
Nothing on this page is invented. The Bereans were commended because they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11) — we teach so you can test. Every historical claim here can be verified in these public records:
- The Royal Household — Coats of Arms (royal.uk): the official description of the Royal Arms — the shield “supported by the English lion on the left and Scottish unicorn on the right”, with the Sovereign’s motto Dieu et mon droit (“God and my right”).
- The College of Arms — the official heraldic authority for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, keeping these records since 1484.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — James VI & I: the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when Scotland’s king inherited England’s throne and Scotland’s unicorn joined England’s lion on the Royal Arms.
- HM Passport Office (GOV.UK) issues the passport that carries the Royal Arms — and the best primary source is in your own drawer: take your passport out and look at the front cover.
- The Bible — Genesis 49:9–10 and Revelation 5:5, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Read them in any Bible, in any translation — and if you don’t have one, we will post you one free.