Garter Principal King of Arms
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Garter Principal King of Arms is the senior king of arms and officer of arms of the College of Arms, the heraldic authority with jurisdiction over England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The position has existed since 1415.
Ceremonial dress
An illuminated manuscript from around 1430 showing William Bruges, the first Garter King of Arms, kneeling before St George. He was appointed in 1415 or 1417.
Sir Edward Walker, who was Garter during the interregnum.
Sir William Dugdale, one of England's leading antiquaries, was Garter between 1677 and his death in 1686. As a King of Arms, he conducted visitations to 10 English counties.
King of arms
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King of arms is the senior rank of an officer of arms. In many heraldic traditions, only a king of arms has the authority to grant armorial bearings and sometimes certify genealogies and noble titles. In other traditions, the power has been delegated to other officers of similar rank.
King during the solemn funeral of Albert VI of Austria
Louis d'Ursel was the King of Arms of Flanders
Banners of the arms of office of the three current English kings of arms. Visible are the banners of Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, Clarenceux King of Arms, and Garter Principal King of Arms.
Thomas Hawley, Clarenceux King of Arms, wearing a tabard bearing the royal arms of England and holding a white staff of office