The Nobility of Malta

The last few decades saw dozens of minority groups come to enjoy legal recognition. The same cannot be said, sadly, for the Nobility of the Maltese islands be they Maltese or foreign titles. The 1975 ie ir-Repubblika act, which saw the end of legal recognition of titles of nobility, (some of which date back to the 13th and 14th century) is still in force today. Whilst the nobility today no longer exerts a political force was it necessary to go as far as have Maltese citizens deny the recognition of the rights of their former masters, who as history shows lived in harmony with them and often defended them?

On this day in 1770, Archduchess Marie Antoinette and Louis, the Dauphin of France, were married at Versailles. The Royal couple (Marie Antoinette 14 yrs, Louis 15 yrs) were married for 23 years until their execution during the French Revolution.

Malta’s very own College of Arms was granted the greenlight by the government and Dr.Gauci has been nominated by the prime minister as Malta’s first Chief Herald of Arms. Like England, Scotland, Spain, Italy and many other countries, Malta now has its own college of arms which creates, registers, and regulates heraldry in Malta. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8fyA3zGylQ

The Maltese government has now established a college of arms for the Maltese islands. Although Malta was ruled by several monarchies and being home to many noble families each bearing their own arms, a formal college of arms was never established. A college has been formally set up and recognised as a legal entity by the government of Malta, it’s Chief Herald is Colonel Doctor Charles the Count Gauci. The college of arms of Malta has also been gladly received by the college ...of arms of Spain and Great Britain, on which the Maltese model is being designed. Coats of arms are not reserved solely for the nobility. Many who are not of noble birth proudly bear coats of arms and insignia. Coats of arms were usually granted to the nobility upon ennoblement by a sovereign and changes would be made to the arms upon achievements of the person through the Herald of arms. In Malta coats of arms which do not belong to the nobility or members of the clergy often time contain errors and are just found as generic blazons attached to surnames on books with an alphabetical index which strictly speaking belong to no one. Anyone can apply for arms; however, the granting of arms is at the sole discretion of the chief herald. Every year thousands of people apply for arms in Spain, Britain and other countries which are fortunate enough to have an organised college. The arms are usually granted as personal arms to a person and even corporations and are protected via law as a person’s private property whilst the heraldic college registers the arms for perpetuity. Those interested in applying for arms may contact us and we will direct you to the right channels. (more information will follow in the coming weeks).

The fact that Malta, a mere speck in the blue Mediterranean has had a nobility from very remote times is not the least of the many interesting and uncommon characteristics that distinguish the island from all other overseas possessions of the British Crown. Indeed there is no place on earth comparable in this respect with the little country that has figured so much in the world's history and that had a highly developed civilization when Britain itself had not yet emerged from primaeval barbarism. (Malta & Gibraltar, London 1915)