The Coldstream Guards Cap Badge (CapStar): History, Symbolism and Meaning

Introduction

Among the cap badges worn by the British Army, few are as immediately recognisable — or as deeply rooted in royal and military tradition — as the Coldstream Guards CapStar. Based on the Star of the Order of the Garter, Britain's oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry, the badge connects the regiment to a tradition of royal service that stretches back to the fourteenth century. Its eight-pointed star, bearing the Cross of St George and the Garter motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense, is one of the most heraldically complex and historically significant pieces of insignia in the British Army.

The regiment itself is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Regular Army, formed in 1650 and carrying a battle record that spans the English Civil War, the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimea, two World Wars, and operations in the Gulf, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Its regimental motto — Nulli Secundus, Second to None — reflects the regiment's response to being placed second in Foot Guards precedence despite its earlier formation.

This guide explores the history of the Coldstream Guards, the origins and symbolism of the CapStar, the significance of each heraldic element, the regiment's operational record, and why the badge remains one of the best-known pieces of British military insignia for veterans and collectors today.

About This Guide

This article has been researched and written by Precision Military Emblems, a specialist producer of officially licensed British military emblems and museum-style heritage displays. Every article in our Military Heritage series is professionally researched using regimental histories, official records, museum collections, and authoritative secondary sources, to preserve the stories, symbolism and traditions behind Britain's regiments and corps.

Research Note: This article has been researched using regimental histories, official Army records, Guards Museum collections, heraldic sources and recognised reference works on British military insignia and the Household Division. Where historians disagree or evidence is incomplete, the interpretation presented reflects the balance of the available historical evidence.

Who Are the Coldstream Guards?

The Coldstream Guards are one of the five regiments of Foot Guards that form the Household Division — the regiments responsible for the ceremonial protection of the Sovereign and the royal palaces, and for providing high-readiness infantry battalions for operational deployment. The regiment was formed in 1650 by General George Monck from Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War, and takes its name from the Scottish border town of Coldstream, from which it marched to London in 1660.

That march — known as the March from Coldstream — came during the political crisis that followed the collapse of the Protectorate. Monck initially marched south to help restore parliamentary authority, before playing a decisive role in the return of King Charles II to the throne. The Coldstream Guards were formally incorporated into the regular establishment of the British Army at the Restoration in 1661, making them the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Regular Army.

The regiment is designated the Second Regiment of Foot Guards in the order of precedence. The Grenadier Guards hold the senior position because they entered Crown service earlier, at the Restoration, as the King's personal regiment in exile. The Coldstream Guards, formed earlier in 1650, entered Crown service at the same moment but from a different origin — a distinction that has shaped the regiment's identity and its motto Nulli Secundus ever since.

Key Dates: A Timeline of the Coldstream Guards

Year	Event
1650	Regiment formed by General George Monck from Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War.
1660	March from Coldstream to London; Monck plays a decisive role in the Restoration of King Charles II.
1661	Regiment formally incorporated into the regular establishment of the British Army.
1704–1709	Regiment serves in the War of the Spanish Succession: Gibraltar, Barcelona, Almanza, Oudenarde and Malplaquet.
1815	Regiment serves at the Battle of Waterloo; the defence of Hougoumont farm is a defining action of the battle.
1854–1856	Regiment serves in the Crimean War, including the Battle of the Alma and the Siege of Sevastopol.
1899–1902	Regiment serves in the Second Boer War in South Africa.
1914–1918	Regiment serves throughout the First World War on the Western Front; significant casualties at Ypres, the Somme, and Passchendaele.
1939–1945	Regiment serves in the Second World War in North Africa, Italy, and North-West Europe.
1990–1991	Regiment deploys to the Gulf War (Operation GRANBY).
1990s	Regiment serves on operations in the Balkans (Bosnia and Kosovo).
2005	Regiment serves in Iraq (Operation TELIC).
2007, 2009–2010	Regiment serves in Afghanistan (Operation HERRICK), including tours in Helmand Province.
2022	Regiment provides ceremonial duties at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and at the accession of King Charles III.

Origins of the Coldstream Guards Cap Badge

The Coldstream Guards cap badge — formally known as the CapStar — is based on the Star of the Order of the Garter, Britain's oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in 1348, and the Garter Star has long served as the regimental emblem of the Coldstream Guards, reflecting the regiment's centuries-old connection to the Sovereign and the Household Division.

Within the Foot Guards, the term "CapStar" has long been used in preference to "cap badge", reflecting the star-shaped insignia derived from the Order of the Garter and distinguishing it from the badges worn by other regiments. Documented patterns became increasingly standardised by the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; the National Army Museum holds a Pattern 1905 Other Rank example that illustrates the established form of the badge at that period.

Unlike the cap badges of most British Army regiments, the Coldstream Guards CapStar carries no Royal Crown. The authorised design consists of the eight-pointed Garter Star, the Cross of St George, and the Garter bearing the motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense. Because the badge carries no crown device, its core heraldic design was unaffected by the transitions between King's Crown and Queen's Crown that changed the appearance of many other British Army badges — although proportions, materials, finishes, fittings and manufacturer details vary across periods and examples.

The Coldstream Guards Cap Badge: Symbolism and Meaning

The Star of the Order of the Garter

The eight-pointed breast star of the Order of the Garter forms the body of the badge. Its eight-pointed form derives from heraldic convention, and its association with the Order of the Garter connects the Coldstream Guards directly to the highest order of chivalry in the British honours system. The star's rays radiate outward from the central device, giving the badge its distinctive and immediately recognisable silhouette.

The Cross of St George

At the centre of the star sits the Cross of St George — the red cross on a white ground that serves as the national symbol of England and the emblem of the patron saint of the Order of the Garter. The Cross of St George has been associated with English military identity since the medieval period, and its presence at the heart of the Coldstream Guards badge reinforces the regiment's deep roots in English military tradition.

The Garter and Motto

Encircling the Cross of St George is the Garter itself — the velvet garter that gives the Order its name — bearing the famous motto: Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense. Translated from Old French as Shame on him who thinks evil of it, the motto has been associated with the Order of the Garter since its foundation in 1348. The precise origin of the motto is the subject of historical debate, but its association with the Order — and through the Order with the Coldstream Guards — is unbroken across nearly seven centuries.

The Regimental Motto: Nulli Secundus

The regimental motto of the Coldstream Guards is Nulli Secundus — Latin for Second to None. The motto reflects the regiment's response to being placed second in Foot Guards precedence despite being the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Regular Army. Nulli Secundus is the regiment's enduring assertion that seniority of precedence is not the same as seniority of service.

Operational Service: The Coldstream Guards in Action

The Restoration and Early Campaigns (1660–1700s)

The regiment's defining early act was the March from Coldstream in 1660, when General Monck led his forces south during the political crisis that followed the collapse of the Protectorate, playing a decisive role in the return of King Charles II to the throne. In the decades that followed, the regiment served in the campaigns of King William III and in the War of the Spanish Succession under the Duke of Marlborough, with documented service at Gibraltar, Barcelona, Almanza, Oudenarde and Malplaquet.

The Napoleonic Wars and Waterloo (1793–1815)

The Coldstream Guards served throughout the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Their most celebrated action came at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, where the regiment played a critical role in the defence of Hougoumont farm — a fortified position on the right flank of the Allied line. The Coldstream Guards formed a key part of the force that defended the farm against repeated French attacks throughout the day, and the action remains central to the regiment's history.

The Crimean War (1854–1856)

The regiment served in the Crimean War, including the Battle of the Alma and the long Siege of Sevastopol. The Crimean campaign exposed serious deficiencies in British military organisation and logistics, and the experience drove significant reforms in the British Army in the decades that followed.

The First World War (1914–1918)

The Coldstream Guards served throughout the First World War on the Western Front, forming part of the Guards Division — an elite formation consistently deployed at the most demanding points of the line. The regiment suffered significant casualties at Ypres, the Somme, and Passchendaele, and its service record across four years of industrial warfare stands as a testament to the endurance and professionalism of its soldiers.

The Second World War (1939–1945)

The Coldstream Guards served in the Second World War in North Africa, Italy, and North-West Europe, including the battles at El Alamein, the difficult terrain of the Italian peninsula, and the Normandy campaign through to the final advance into Germany. The Second World War saw the regiment serve in both their traditional infantry role and in the armoured role, reflecting the Army's adaptation to the demands of modern mechanised warfare.

The Gulf War, Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan

The regiment deployed to the Gulf War (Operation GRANBY, 1990–1991) as part of the 1st (UK) Armoured Division, served in Bosnia and Kosovo during the 1990s, deployed to Iraq (Operation TELIC, 2005), and served in Afghanistan (Operation HERRICK, 2007 and 2009–2010), including tours in Helmand Province. Their service in Afghanistan added a further chapter to a regimental history spanning more than three and a half centuries of continuous operational service.

Collecting the Coldstream Guards CapStar

The Coldstream Guards CapStar is a well-established focus for collectors of British military insignia. Its distinctive design, heraldic complexity, and association with one of the most famous regiments in the world make it a natural subject for those interested in Household Division badges. Because the CapStar carries no Royal Crown, collectors assess examples primarily by material, fittings, finish, dimensions, manufacturer and provenance rather than crown pattern — no single feature proves or disproves authenticity; these factors must be considered together.

Victorian and Edwardian Patterns

Among the earliest CapStars encountered by collectors are those from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The National Army Museum holds a Pattern 1905 Other Rank example that provides a useful reference point. Many surviving early examples are constructed from gilded brass. Collectors should examine the depth of relief, sharpness of detail, and construction method when assessing period examples, bearing in mind that quality and finish varied between manufacturers.

Officers' versus Other Rank CapStars

There is a recognised distinction between Officers' CapStars and Other Rank CapStars, with officers' examples generally produced to a higher specification. Some were produced by specialist military tailors and badge makers to individual commission. Collectors should be cautious about broad generalisations regarding officers' materials without reference to specific documented examples.

Gilt, Silver and Staybrite Examples

Gilt brass examples are the most commonly encountered for Other Ranks across the Victorian, Edwardian, and early twentieth-century periods. Staybrite anodised aluminium badges were introduced for everyday wear from the mid-twentieth century onwards, identifiable by their lighter weight and distinctive bright finish. Collectors should assess finish alongside other physical characteristics rather than relying on finish alone as a dating indicator.

Fixing Methods

Original Coldstream Guards CapStars vary in their fixing methods. Early brass badges typically feature slider fittings or lug-and-split-pin fittings. Later badges were produced with a variety of fittings depending on the manufacturer and period of production. Fixing method is one of several indicators that should be assessed alongside metal type, finish, dimensions and maker's mark when dating an example.

Recognised Manufacturers and Maker's Marks

Maker's marks are typically found on the reverse of the badge, either stamped into the metal or on a small label. Long-established suppliers such as J.R. Gaunt & Son of London and Birmingham, and Firmin & Sons of London, are among the manufacturers associated with Coldstream Guards CapStars. Their marks are useful aids to identification, but must be assessed alongside material, fittings, finish, dimensions and provenance.

Genuine versus Reproduction CapStars

The Coldstream Guards CapStar has been widely reproduced, and collectors should exercise appropriate caution. Assessing authenticity requires consideration of multiple factors together: wear patterns consistent with actual use, construction method, metal type and weight, finish, fixing method, dimensions, and maker's marks. When in doubt, consult a specialist militaria dealer or auction house with experience of Household Division insignia.

Provenance and Authenticity

Provenance is among the most important factors in assessing an original Coldstream Guards CapStar. A badge accompanied by service records, a soldier's photograph, or other documentation that establishes its history tells a far richer story than the insignia alone. Always preserve any accompanying documentation, and record the provenance of your own collection in writing for the benefit of future owners.

Displaying the Coldstream Guards CapStar

Display frames incorporating UV-protective acrylic or conservation-grade glazing and acid-free mounting materials offer the best protection for displayed badges. Keep them away from direct sunlight and significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and handle original period badges with clean cotton gloves — the oils and acids in human skin cause long-term damage that is difficult to reverse.

Many collectors display their Coldstream Guards CapStar alongside service medals, photographs and other memorabilia, creating a comprehensive tribute to an individual's military service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Coldstream Guards cap badge called?

The Coldstream Guards cap badge is formally known as the CapStar. Within the Foot Guards, the term "CapStar" has long been used in preference to "cap badge", reflecting the star-shaped insignia derived from the Order of the Garter.

Why doesn't the Coldstream Guards CapStar have a Royal Crown?

Unlike the cap badges of most British Army regiments, the Coldstream Guards CapStar carries no Royal Crown. The authorised design consists of the eight-pointed Garter Star, the Cross of St George, and the Garter bearing the motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense. Because the badge carries no crown device, its core heraldic design was unaffected by the transitions between King's Crown and Queen's Crown that changed the appearance of many other British Army badges.

What is the CapStar based on?

The CapStar is based on the eight-pointed breast star of the Order of the Garter, founded by King Edward III in 1348. At the centre of the star is the Cross of St George, encircled by the Garter bearing the motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense.

What does Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense mean?

The motto Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense is Old French for Shame on him who thinks evil of it. It is the motto of the Order of the Garter, founded by King Edward III in 1348, and appears on the Garter encircling the Cross of St George at the centre of the Coldstream Guards CapStar.

What does Nulli Secundus mean?

The regimental motto Nulli Secundus is Latin for Second to None. It reflects the Coldstream Guards' response to being placed second in Foot Guards precedence despite being the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Regular Army.

When were the Coldstream Guards formed?

The Coldstream Guards were formed in 1650 by General George Monck from Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War. They take their name from the Scottish border town of Coldstream, from which they marched to London in 1660, playing a decisive role in the Restoration of King Charles II.

Are Coldstream Guards CapStars rare?

Rarity depends on a combination of factors: period of manufacture, material, finish, fixing method, maker's mark, condition and provenance. Victorian and Edwardian brass examples and officers' badges are generally regarded as more desirable by many collectors than later Staybrite examples, but no broad generalisation about rarity or market value should be taken as definitive. Consult specialist militaria dealers or auction houses with experience of Household Division insignia.

The Coldstream Guards' Legacy

The Coldstream Guards are one of the defining institutions of the British Army — a regiment whose history encompasses the Restoration of the monarchy, the defence of Hougoumont at Waterloo, the trenches of the Western Front, the deserts of North Africa, and the mountains of Afghanistan. Their CapStar — rooted in the heraldry of the Order of the Garter and carrying the motto Nulli Secundus — is a badge that speaks to more than three and a half centuries of continuous service to the Crown.

For veterans of the regiment, the CapStar is a permanent reminder of their service and their comrades. For collectors, it is one of the most recognisable and heraldically distinguished pieces of British military insignia. For anyone with an interest in British military history, it is a tangible connection to a tradition of service that has endured for more than three and a half centuries.

Further Reading

For those wishing to explore the history of the Coldstream Guards and their cap badge in greater depth, the following authoritative sources provide reliable and detailed information.

• British Army — Coldstream Guards — The official British Army page for the Coldstream Guards.
• National Army Museum — Authoritative collections and research resources covering the history of the British Army, including the Household Division and the Coldstream Guards.
• Imperial War Museums — Collections and research resources covering the Coldstream Guards' service in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
• The Guards Museum — The regimental museum of the Household Division, holding collections and research resources relating to the Foot Guards regiments including the Coldstream Guards.
• The National Archives — Primary source documents including service records and regimental papers relating to the Coldstream Guards.

Officially Licensed Coldstream Guards Emblems & Heritage Displays

Precision Military Emblems produces officially licensed Coldstream Guards heritage display frames — museum-style displays designed to present the CapStar alongside medals and service photographs, produced under official MOD licence.

About Precision Military Emblems

Precision Military Emblems is a specialist producer of officially licensed British military emblems and museum-style heritage displays, holding official Ministry of Defence licences for a growing range of British Army regiments and corps. Every product is the result of the same depth of historical research that underpins this article series.