Beadwork, Prince of Wales Heraldic Badge

Tiny, shimmering glass beads stitched to black wool form this heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales. The badge consists of three white ostrich feathers held by a ribbon that bears the German motto, "ICH DIEN," which translates to "I serve.”

This appears in the Prince of Wales’s badge to symbolize the historic British royal claim to the French throne, stemming from Edward III's assertion of the French throne in the 14th century. Although the English crown formally relinquished its claim to that throne in 1802, the fleur-de-lis remains in the Prince of Wales's badge as part of traditional heraldry. 

This piece of needlework would not likely have had a direct connection to royalty but honored the British royalty and culture of the period. 

Worked in glass beads onto wool and in excellent condition. Conservation mounted into a late 19th century frame.