the Azores
#0764
Rectangular arms flag introduced
Manuel I introduced a rectangular white flag bearing the crowned Portuguese shield.
Shield and crown changed
John III’s flag used a round-bottom shield with seven castles and an open crown.
Closed crown adopted
The crown was closed and the shield’s seven castles became the permanent design.
Blue shield border added
The flag’s shield acquired a blue border during the reign of John IV.
Five-arched crown introduced
The crown on Portuguese flags and royal arms changed from three stems to five.
Red cap added to crown
John V’s redesign added a red beret beneath the crown and used varied shield shapes.
Armillary sphere added
The arms were placed on an armillary sphere on a blue field to represent the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves.
