Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Duc de Guise
Duc de Guise – The history of the House of Guise
The House of Guise was a French branch of the Dukes of Lorraine. Its founder Claude de Lorraine, son of Duke René II, served King Francis I. After successes in the Italian Wars, the King elevated the county of Guise to a duchy in 1528. Claude and his wife Antoinette de Bourbon made Joinville their family seat and promoted churches, artists, and scholars.
Their children built a European network. François, the second duke, reconquered Calais for France in 1558 and was nicknamed „le Balafré“, the Wounded One. His brother Charles became a cardinal of Lorraine; their sister Marie married King James V of Scotland and was the mother of Mary Stuart. When their husband, Francis II, became king of France in 1559, the Guises were at the height of their influence.
During the religious wars, François led the Catholic party. After his death in 1563, his son Henri I. took over the family role. The duke gained great popularity and later led the Catholic League and in 1588 became the most powerful opponent of Henry III. In December, the king had him killed in the castle of Blois – a dramatic turning point that echoed in art and literature.
Henry's son Charles eventually reconciled with Henry IV and preserved the rank and possessions of the house. His descendants Henri II and Louis Joseph served as field commanders and artistic princes. François Joseph followed as the young sixth duke; thereafter, his aunt Marie de Lorraine consolidated the family inheritance. As a generous patroness, she entertained musicians such as Marc-Antoine Charpentier at the Hôtel de Guise in Paris.
With Marie's death in 1688, vast possessions and collections passed to related houses. Château Joinville, works of art in the Louvre, and the Scottish-French connections still commemorate a family that decisively shaped the politics, religion, and court culture of the 16th century.
Sources: Château royal de Blois, Louvre Museum, National Library of France, National Archives
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Duc de Guise
This Coat of arms corresponds to the historical coat of arms of the House of Lorraine-Guise. Blazon: Eight-part Lorraine coat of arms Coat of arms with the fields of Hungary, Anjou-Naples, Jerusalem, Aragon, Anjou-Valois, Geldern, Jülich and Bar; in the center a red diagonal bar with three silver alares for Lorraine.
The often divided shield unites the historical coats of arms of the House of Lothringen. In its center is the golden Lotharingian coat of arms with a red diagonal bar and three silver alérions. The red tournament collar at the upper edge of the shield identifies the younger line of Guise.
The Dukes of Guise belonged to a French branch of the House of Lorraine. Their extensive dynastic claims Coat of arms encompassed Lorraine and the Guise line was distinguished by a red coat of arms.
Sources: Armorial of the Kingdom of France
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
