French politician who succeeded Richelieu as chief minister of France in 1642. His attack on the power of the nobility led to the Fronde and his temporary exile, but his diplomacy achieved a successful conclusion to the Thirty Years' War, and, in alliance with Oliver Cromwell during the British protectorate, he gained victory over Spain.
The white saltire comes from the flag of Scotland. The St Patrick's Cross was, in fact, taken from the arms of the powerful Geraldine family. The red cross of St George is taken from the flag of England. Effective date: 1 January 1801.