On 31st May Trinity Barrister Christopher Vane was appointed Portcullis Pursuivant by the Queen. A pursuivant is the lowest of the three ranks of heralds at the College of Arms, where the heralds deal with the granting of coats of arms, the recording of family trees and other more general genealogical research. The office of Portcullis Pursuivant was instituted in 1485 at the time of the coronation of Henry VII.
Christopher took part in both the Diamond Jubilee river pageant and the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s. In the river pageant the English, Northern Irish and Welsh heralds together with their Scots and Canadian counterparts were on the MV Connaught immediately in front of the boat carrying the Queen.
At the service of thanksgiving the heralds processed immediately in front of the Queen and the Royal Family when they entered the cathedral and again when they left. As the most junior herald Christopher had to lead the heralds’ procession.
Most heralds are either lawyers or historians. Christopher has latterly been advising the most senior herald, the Garter King of Arms, on applications for the registration of trade marks.
Christopher is a member of Trinity Chambers' Agricultural, Business, Chancery, Mental Health and Court of Protection Practice Groups.