The Elbaph Arc in *One Piece* has gradually emerged as the section where fans can witness the unveiling of the designs for the Holy Knights. Among the latest characters introduced are Siant Sommers and Killingham. Interestingly, while some fans may overlook this detail, these new Holy Knights seem to draw inspiration from a real-world lineage known for its loyalty.
Figures like Shamrock, Sommers, and Killingham appear to be linked to ‘The King’s Body Guard of Yeomen of Guard,’ an esteemed group responsible for safeguarding the British monarchy. This connection could be further highlighted by the similarities between the organization’s Heraldic Badges and King Harald, suggesting that the Elbaph King may be intricately tied to both the Holy Knights and Imu.
Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the manga series and reflects the author’s perspective.
Unraveling the Connection: King Harald and the Holy Knights
The Elbaph Arc kicks off as the Straw Hat Pirates arrive on the island, sharing sake with local giants to celebrate their friendship. However, the arc also marks the entrance of two Holy Knights who aim to affiliate Elbaph with the World Government. These knights, Shamrock Figarland and Gunko, quickly resort to extreme measures after failing to negotiate with Prince Loki by kidnapping children from Elbaph.
To assist in this nefarious scheme, the Holy Knights summon Saint Sommers and Killingham. Notably, during their encounter, Saint Killingham inquires whether Shamrock has come to visit King Harald’s grave—a question that, while potentially sarcastic, may hint at deeper implications. To grasp the potential significance of this exchange, it’s essential to analyze the origins of these characters.
Starting with Shamrock, his name likely references the shamrock flower (a type of clover). In a similar vein, Sommers seems to draw from the imagery of roses, as indicated by his name’s association with summer celebrations. Yet, the inspiration behind Killingham is particularly intriguing. The latter part of his name hints at the famed Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British Royals. This connection raises questions about its significance within the narrative.
Both the shamrock and rose hold emblematic value, as they are officially featured on the insignia of ‘The King’s Body Guard of Yeomen of Guard.’ This elite group stands as the highest order of knights directly associated with the royal household. Significantly, the badges worn by these guards are known as Heraldic Badges, a term that evokes a sense of authoritative association. This connection is further emphasized by the mention of ‘Harald’ in *One Piece*, suggesting a potential link between King Harald and this elite group.
Considering the newly introduced Holy Knights, it seems plausible that King Harald from *One Piece* may be conceptually connected to Shamrock and his fellow knights through themes inspired by the British Royal Guard.
Final Insights and Analysis
The implied connection between King Harald and the Holy Knights opens up numerous narrative possibilities. One interpretation suggests that the King of Elbaph may have ties to the World Government and Imu, casting a shadow over Prince Loki’s potential involvement in his father’s demise.
Conversely, it may be that King Harald once stood as a rebel—defying the World Government after witnessing their corruption. This hypothesis would help explain why Elbaph Island has historically distanced itself from the governing body since his reign.