The coat of arms

Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom since 1837

The lions symbolize England, a lion rampant – Scotland, and a harp – Ireland. The whole is encircled and is supported by a lion and a unicorn. The lion has been used as a symbol of national strength, bravery, and royalty of the British monarchy for many centuries. The Unicorn, a mythical animal that looks like a horse with a long straight horn, has appeared on the Scottish and British royal coats of arms for many centuries, and is a symbol of purity, healing powers, joy and even life itself.

                                       

The coat of arms of England is the dark red field of the three golden leopards really looking as lions. Richard the Lion Heart created them in 1190. Another coat of arms with a lion was in the use before this coat of arms. With the beginning of the Hundred years war and the coronation of Edward III as a king of France French lily was added to the lions.