[5] This was partly because of its links to Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the first[6] and last King of Fiji (Fijian: Tui Viti) who relinquished control of the country to Britain.

[7][8] However, the coat of arms featured on the flag was modified, which involved removing the crest, supporters, and motto, thus leaving only the escutcheon untouched.

The Cross of St. George—which divides the shield quarterly—and the golden lion at the top represent the United Kingdom, the former colonial power that ruled over Fiji.

[5] The cacao pod held in the lion's paw, along with the sugarcane, coconut palm and bananas occupying three of the four quadrants, represent the country's natural resources, since these are key agricultural crops in Fiji.

[6][10] The bottom left quadrant contains a dove that symbolizes peace – this was utilized on the country's flag during the reign of King Cakobau,[6] whose government was the last before the commencement of British rule.