The East India Company was granted a Coat of Arms under the direct instructions from Queen Elizabeth I to William Camden alias Clarencieux, Garter Principal of the King of Arms.

It was provided as a symbol of her confidence, and so The Company would be recognised as having her royal patronage. The original declaration provided by the Queen herself, with detailed instructions of the elements to be incorporated, resides today in the Collection of documents at The College of Arms, London.  Today the coat of arms is a trademark of The East India Company.

The Coat of Arms features sea lions and waving St. George pennants supporting a shield with three ships and roses.

The ships have open sails and are facing East, signifying that they have a favourable wind and their purpose is to go East.

The roses signify England, and the blue Globe on top signifies the world. The Latin inscription beneath was The company’s motto:

Deus Indicat. Deo Ducente Nil Nocet

(God is our leader. When God leads, nothing can harm)