In a ceremony held at San Anton Palace, Heritage Malta presented the personal coat of arms to H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, the President of Malta. While personal in nature, the arms reflect Her Excellency’s unique role as Head of State, with the motto ‘Servire Cum Modestia’ – to serve with modesty – encapsulating the spirit of her presidency. During the ceremony, the President was also presented with a copy of the newly published ‘The Register of Arms, Volume 1 (2019–2024)’, the first comprehensive record of coats of arms issued under Malta’s heraldic authority since its establishment.
The arms were formally presented by the Chief Herald of Arms of Malta, Dr Charles A. Gauci, whose office falls within Heritage Malta’s remit and regulates all heraldic emblems on the Maltese Islands. Also in attendance were Heritage Malta’s Deputy Chairman, Anthony Scicluna, and Chev. Ray Cassar, Registrar at the Office of the Chief Herald.
The initiative originated when Dr Gauci approached President Spiteri Debono to enquire whether she would be open to having personal arms designed – an invitation she accepted. The first personal coat of arms granted by the Office of the Chief Herald was to former President George Vella in 2022, following the establishment of the heraldic office within Heritage Malta’s remit. Unlike arms of office – held during a term of presidency – personal arms are privately held and may be passed on to descendants.
The arms granted to the President represent both personal lineage and national symbolism. While it is customary for women to bear arms on a lozenge or oval rather than a shield, and without helm or crest, these conventions were set aside in recognition of Her Excellency’s role as Head of State.
Her coat of arms features a silver helm with front-facing gold visor bars and trim – a distinction reserved for Presidents and former Presidents of Malta. The fact that the President hails from Gozo is reflected in the crest showing a representation of the three hills of Gozo emerging from the sea.
The shield supported by two lions is divided into three parts, bearing the arms of the Spiteri Debono and Zammit families – Spiteri Debono being her married surname whilst Zammit is her maiden surname. Suspended from the shield are the insignia of the President’s honours as Head and Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit and Head of the ‘Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika’.
In her remarks, President Spiteri Debono conveyed her sincere gratitude towards Heritage Malta and the Office of the Chief Herald for their thoughtful gesture and expert craftsmanship. During the ceremony, Heritage Malta officials spoke of the growing public interest in heraldry and its potential to inspire research and educational initiatives, especially among younger audiences, as part of the agency’s wider cultural outreach.