THE PRINCE OF WALES的三根羽毛,14世纪开始的产物
The Prince of Wales's Feathers
The badge of The Prince of Wales comprises three silver (or white) feathers rising through a gold coronet of alternate crosses and fleur-de-lys. The motto "Ich Dien" (I serve) is on a dark blue ribbon beneath the coronet.
Its use in royal heraldry goes back to the time of Edward Prince of Wales (the Black Prince) in the 14th century.
Experts in heraldry believe the feathers may have been used by the family of Edward's mother, Philippa of Hainault, but the Ich Dien motto formed part of the arms of the King of Bohemia.
The rules of heraldry allow limited variations in the depiction of the badge. The spines or quills of the feathers can be of gold, instead of white or silver, and the coronet - usually studded with emeralds and rubies - can also feature small sapphires.
The arrangement of the motto ribbon can vary, but is usually shown in front of the two outer feathers and behind the centre one.