St John's College and Christ's College, Cambridge both bear the arms of the Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, mother of Henry VII. These arms are recorded in the College of Arms as being borne by right, and are described as: Quarterly: 1 and 4 azure three fleurs-de-lis gold (France, Modern); 2 and 3 gules three lions passant gardant or (England); all within a border compony silver and azure. In addition, both foundations use the Beaufort crest, an eagle displayed arising out of a coronet of roses and fleurs-de-lis all gold, but their title to this is more doubtful. When displayed in their full achievement, the arms are flanked by mythical yales.
St John's College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. (The full, formal name of the college is "The Master, Fellows and Scholars of the College of St John the Evangelist in the University of Cambridge".) The college was founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort. In constitutional terms, the college is a charitable corporation established by a charter dated 9 April 1511. The aims of the college, as specified by its Statutes, are the promotion of education, religion, learning and research.
The college's alumni include the winners of nine Nobel Prizes, seven prime ministers and twelve archbishops of various countries, at least two princes, and three Saints.
St John's College is well known for its choir, for its members' participation in a wide variety of inter-collegiate sporting competitions, and for its annual May Ball.
In 2011 the college celebrated its quincentenary, an event marked by a visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. HRH Prince William was affiliated with the college while undertaking a university-run course in 2014.