Let’s talk about Meghan Markle for a moment, because she’s been stepping into her royal role with grace and style. Since marrying Prince Harry, Meghan hasn’t just been handed the keys to Buckingham Palace—she’s been gifted with traditions and honors that reflect her unique background. Among the many royal perks, like access to Queen Elizabeth’s stunning jewelry collection and a cozy country home, there’s one that stands out: her very own coat of arms. Kensington Palace announced this special honor on May 25, adding yet another layer to Meghan’s identity as the Duchess of Sussex.
Designing a Shield That Tells a Story
Now, here’s the fascinating part: Meghan, who’s all of 36 years old, didn’t just sit back and let someone else design her coat of arms. No way! According to Kensington Palace, she worked closely with the College of Arms throughout the creative process, ensuring every detail had meaning. Let’s break it down: the shield’s deep blue background is a nod to the Pacific Ocean off the California coast, where she grew up. Those two golden rays slicing across the shield? They’re a shout-out to the sunshine that bathes her home state. And the three quills? Those represent communication and the power of words—something Meghan knows all about, given her career as an actress and advocate.
View this post on InstagramIntroducing The Duchess of Sussex’s Coat of Arms. Follow our Story to find out more.
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Details That Speak Volumes
There’s more to this coat of arms than meets the eye. Beneath the shield, nestled on a bed of grass, you’ll find golden poppies, which are California’s state flower. And then there’s wintersweet, a plant that grows right there at Kensington Palace, tying her new life to her roots. By tradition, royal coats of arms often include “Supporters,” those symbolic figures that flank the shield. In Meghan’s case, one of these figures is a songbird with wings spread wide, as if in flight, its beak open. This, along with the quills, symbolizes the power of communication, a theme that resonates deeply with Meghan’s advocacy work.
A Coronet to Match Her Title
But wait, there’s more! The Duchess of Sussex has also been assigned a coronet, a small crown that signifies her status. This particular coronet was designed by a Royal Warrant from 1917, intended for the sons and daughters of the heir apparent. It’s adorned with two crosses, four fleurs-de-lis, and two strawberry leaves, each element rich with historical significance. Now, here’s an interesting detail: the arms of a married woman are shown alongside those of her husband, a tradition known as "impaling." So, Meghan’s shield will sit side-by-side with Prince Harry’s, symbolizing their union.
Meghan isn’t the first royal bride to receive such an honor. Take Kate Middleton, for example. Before her wedding to Prince William, Kate’s father, Michael Middleton, was granted a coat of arms. The crest featured three acorns, representing Kate and her siblings, Pippa and James, and also referenced the family home in Berkshire, England. A golden stripe across the middle paid homage to Carole Middleton’s maiden name, Goldsmith, while the use of red and blue echoed the colors of the UK flag. Two years later, Prince William and Kate received their own “conjugal coat of arms,” bringing their families together symbolically. This design featured a lion and a unicorn, the royal “supporters,” adorned with red escallop shells, a nod to Princess Diana’s Spencer family crest.
Kate’s coat of arms, a design rich with family meaning.
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This story was originally crafted with contributions from Katie Rosseinsky, drawing inspiration from our sister site, Grazia Daily.
