Sir George Bellew | |
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Garter Principal King of Arms | |
In office 1950–1961 | |
Monarchs | George VI Elizabeth II |
Preceded by | Sir Algar Howard |
Succeeded by | Sir Anthony Wagner |
Personal details | |
Born | 13 December 1899 |
Died | 6 February 1993 (aged 92) |
Sir George Rothe Bellew, KCB, KCVO, KStJ, FSA (13 December 1899 – 6 February 1993), styled The Honourable after 1935, was a long-serving herald at the College of Arms in London. Educated at the University of Oxford, he was appointed Portcullis Pursuivant in 1922. Having been Somerset Herald for 24 years, he was promoted to the office of Garter Principal King of Arms in 1950, the highest heraldic office in England and Wales. He served in that capacity until his resignation in 1961. As Garter, Bellew oversaw the funeral of George VI, proclaimed the late King's daughter, Elizabeth II, as Queen and took a leading role in the organisation of her Coronation in 1953. After his retirement, Bellew was Secretary of the Order of the Garter (until 1974) and Knight Principal of the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor (until 1962). He lived for many years at Dower House in Old Windsor, Berkshire, but later moved to Farnham and died in 1993, aged 93.