
The special meaning behind Meghan Markle's official Coat of Arms
By Clare Douglas
Meghan Markle is now the proud owner of her very own Coat of Arms. Kensington Palace unveiled the design on Friday (May 25) after it received the Queen's stamp of approval. Just as she did with royal wedding arrangements, Prince Harry's new wife was hands-on in creating the crest with the College of Arms. The Duchess of Sussex made sure to incorporate elements of her home state while highlighting the power of communication.
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The Coat of Arms often incorporates a tribute to the royal spouse's family, but any nod to "Markle" has been left off of Meghan's design. Instead, the palace explains: “the blue background of the shield represents the Pacific Ocean off the California coast, while the two golden rays across the shield are symbolic of the sunshine of The Duchess's home state. The three quills represent communication and the power of words."
Related: All the photos from Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding
Flowers are also prominent in the design, with golden poppies, California's state flower, and wintersweet, a flower that grows at Kensington Palace, adorning the bottom of the Arms. Both flowers were also embroidered into Meghan's bridal veil.
The official statement notes: "It is customary for Supporters of the shield to be assigned to Members of the Royal Family, and for wives of Members of the Royal Family to have one of their husband’s Supporters and one relating to themselves." Meghan's Supporter is a songbird with an open beak to represent communication. It stands opposite Harry's lion.
In keeping with royal tradition, Prince Harry and Meghan should receive another Coat of Arms to represent them as a couple, but they may have to wait a few years. Prince William and Kate's elaborate Arms was unveiled in 2013, two years after they tied the knot.