Originally devised by amateur heralds when the university was founded, Queen's coat of arms is based on that of Edinburgh University, the institution after which Queen's was modelled.
It consists of a gold shield with red edges divided into four triangular compartments by a blue, diagonal St. Andrew's cross.
The cross of St. Andrew, with an open book at the junction to show that the arms belong to a place of learning, represents the original bond between Queen's and Scottish universities (St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland).
In each of the four compartments made by the arms of the cross is an emblem of the university's Canadian and British origins:
- at the top a pine tree for Canada
- on the left a rose for England
- at the bottom a thistle for Scotland
- on the right a shamrock for Ireland
The red colour of the border is a mark of cadency, indicating that Queen's is younger than Edinburgh University. The border is decorated with eight gold crowns, symbolic of Queen Victoria and the university's Royal Charter.
The whole shield is underlined by a banner with Queen's motto: Sapienta et Doctrina Stabilitas (Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times).
