A new academy in the United Kingdom that takes an interest in heraldry and the study of noble genealogies, has made Tonga's Lord Fulivai, an Honorary Vice-President and Fellow on January 5.

Lord Fulivai, a Tongan hereditary noble, is the Governor of Vava’u. 

The International Academy for Genealogical and Heraldic Studies (IAGHS), is headquartered in England, and has 518 Associate Members and 12 Fellows. IAGHS President Andrew Stourton said most members are scholars and others with an interest in heraldry and genealogy from all nations of Europe, and from countries throughout the world.

He said IAGHS is a private non-governmental autonomous research organization founded in 2015 by experts in the fields of chivalry, nobiliary, and heraldic law. It aims to maintain a genealogical records database of modern-day noble families. The organisation aims to become an authoritative source of records for specialists, researchers and state functionaries.

Since the late 19th century, a number of purported orders have been operating, bestowing (and often selling) chivalric and noble titles.

“In order to assist with the provision of what we hope will also be authoritative and objective guidance in this area, we also aim to publish an annually updated Golden Register of Orders of Chivalry,” said Mr Stourton.

Fellows of the IAGHS are elected and Associate Members are admitted based on their membership applications.


The IAGHS have five Honorary Office Holders who are elected to their offices for one year terms.