Kate Middleton has been granted a traditional coat of arms. Find out the meaning behind the symbols, as well as how her coat of arms will change once she marries Prince William.
In the 12th century, a coat of arms was used on shields during battles for identity purposes, however, today a coat of arms for future princess Kate Middleton showcases her family history. “Every coat of arms has been designed to identify a person, school or organization, and is to last forever,” Thomas Woodcock, Garter King of Arms at the College of Arms, explains. “Heraldry is Europe’s oldest, most visual and strictly regulated form of identity and it surrounds us in Britain, giving clues to our history and surroundings.”
Kate’s coat of arms features items and colors that all hold special meaning to the Middleton family. The three acorns represent the three Middleton kids, including Kate, 27-year-old Pippa and 24-year-old James. They also pay tribute to the oat trees that grow on Kate’s home in Bucklebury, Berkshire. The gold chevron represents mom Carole’s maiden name of Goldsmith.
The two white chevrons denote the hills and mounts that pay tribute to the “outdoor pursuits that the family enjoy together,” while the blue ribbon represents an unmarried daughter.
The Middletons played a large part in determining what would go on their coat of arms. Woodcock says the family “took enormous interest in this design and, while its purpose is to provide a traditional heraldic identity for Catherine as she marries into the royal family, the intent was to represent the whole family together, their home and aspects of what they enjoy.”
Kate’s coat of arms will be on the back of the wedding program, while Prince William’s coat of arms will be on the front of the program.
Kate can enjoy her Middleton coat of arms only until the April 29th royal wedding. After that time, her coat of arms will be merged with Prince William’s royal coat of arms for a new design that will be presented several months after the wedding.
We can’t wait to see the new marital coat of arms for Prince William and Kate Middleton!
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