Who is the Garter King of Arms?
THE Garter King of Arms holds a key role in the royal household.
But who is he and what does he do? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is the Garter King of Arms?
The Garter of King of Arms is the most senior position among the three King of Arms.
The current Garter King of Arms is David Vines White.
White was educated at Marlborough College, before attending Pembroke College, Cambridge, graduating with a MA.
He was appointed Rouge Croix Pursuivant in 1995 and was promoted to Somerset Herald in 2004.
From 2014 to 2021 he was also Registrar of the College of Arms.
On July 1, 2021, White was promoted Garter Principal King of Arms, succeeding Sir Thomas Woodcock.
What was the Garter King of Arms’ role in the Queen’s committal?
The Garter pronounced the styles and titles of the Queen after her coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault at her committal service on September 19, 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II holds 15 different regnal titles, one for each of the current Commonwealth realms.
On the death of the British monarch, it was also the Garter’s duty to announce the new monarch, King Charles.
Charles met with the Accession Council on September 10, 2022 – two days after the sad passing of his mother on Thursday, September 8.
He made a personal declaration about the death of his mother before making an oath.
The Garter then read the proclamation of the accession of Charles III from the balcony at St James’s Palace.
What else does the Garter King of Arms do?
The Garter King of Arms is the senior King of Arms, the highest rank of an officer of arms.
Since 1415, the Garter has been the principal adviser to the sovereign of the United Kingdom with respect to flag-flying, ceremony and heraldry.
This encompasses the design and display of coats of arms, badges and mottoes.
His seal and signature appear on all grants and arms made by the College of Arms.