The Old Guard
The saying that coincides with the British monarchy's claimed right to rule is "Dieu et mon droit", which translates from Anglo-Norman French to "God and my right". This motto asserts that the sovereign’s authority derives directly from divine sanction rather than from feudal vassalage, parliamentary grant, or human intermediaries.
Key details include:
Origin: It was first used as a battle cry by King Richard I (the Lionheart) at the Battle of Gisors in 1198 to assert his rights against the French King.
Adoption: It was formally adopted as the royal motto by Henry V in the 15th century and appears on the Royal Coat of Arms, currency, and passports.
Meaning: The phrase emphasizes the doctrine of the divine right of kings, symbolizing that the monarch rules by God's grace and holds a personal, God-given prerogative to govern.