Who and what are heralds?

'Herald' is the middle rank of Officer of Arms, and is also used more loosely to describe all Officers of Arms, whether kings of arms, heralds of arms, or pursuivants of arms. They have responsibilities for the overseeing of heraldry, the granting of new coats of arms, genealogical research, and state ceremonial. Several countries number one or more heralds among their officials, including, Sweden, South Africa, Scotland, and Canada.

The College of Arms in London has a maximum of thirteen heralds. There are also 'heralds extraordinary' in England and Wales, and one in New Zealand, who do not form part of the College of Arms, but who, like their colleagues 'in ordinary', wear a tabard embroidered with the Royal Arms and process at certain state occasions. The English and Welsh heralds take part in the State Opening of Parliament each year at Westminster and in the Garter Service at Windsor Castle in June. The Scottish heralds have a wider number of ceremonial roles.

Rouge Croix Pursuivant
December 2001