The College of Arms is the official repository of the Coats of
Arms of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth.
Other nations have similar organizations. Coats of Arms are
authorized by senior Heralds on letters patent. A Coat of Arms with
royal connection may carry elements of the royal coat of arms
within it. There are several websites which list coats of arms,
families and their connections; DeBretts being a good example.