I have already discussed the state coat of arms of Denmark in a previous post. Now I’d like to look at the Royal Coat of Arms which is much more complex. The current version was established by royal decree July 5, 1972. It is simpler than previous versions.

The blazon is: A shield quartered by a cross throughout Argent fimbriated Gules; first and fourth quarter Or, three lions passant in pale Azure crowned and armed Or langued Gules, nine hearts Gules (for Denmark); second quarter Or, two lions passant in pale Azure armed Or langued Gules (for Schleswig); third quarter Azure, party per fess, in base per pale; in chief three crowns Or (for the Kalmar Union), in dexter base a ram passant Argent armed and unguled Or (for the Faroe Islands), in sinister base a polar bear rampant Argent (for Greenland). Overall an escutcheon Or two bars Gules (for Oldenburg) the whole surrounded by the Collars of the Order of the Dannebrog and the Order of the Elephant. Supporters two woodwoses armed with clubs Proper standing on a pedestal. All surrounded by a mantle Gules doubled Ermine crowned with a royal crown and tied up with tasseled strings Or.

Since approximately 1960 the royal coat of arms has been reserved exclusively for use by the sovereign, the royal family, the royal guards and the royal court.

Among the simplifications from former versions was a reduction in quarterings for other territories and a much greater simplified inescutcheon overall.