In 2018, under the supervision of the College of Arms in London, former Hollywood actress Meghan Markle contributed ideas for the design of her coat of arms which was approved by Queen Elizabeth II and Thomas Woodcock (Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald).
Meghan received her coat of arms directly. Traditionally, the coat of arms is given to the father of a royal bride-to-be in the days leading up to the wedding, but with Markle’s father absent, protocol was broken.
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What does Meghan Markle’s Coat of Arms look like?
The design of Meghan Markle’s coat of arms is an interesting amalgam of symbols that reflect her California background. Some critics have deemed it unconventional, but many have praised it as an accurate representation of the Duchess’ personality and values.
Meghan Markle’s coat of arms has a blue background representing the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, where the Duchess of Sussex was born. The two golden rays on the coat of arms represent the sun and golden poppies, California’s state flower, are also dotted across the grass at the base of the coat of arms. The feathers imprinted on the shield are meant to represent communication and the power of words.
The supporter related to the Duchess of Sussex is a songbird with wings raised as if flying and an open beak, which with the feather represents the power of communication.
The crown that tops Markle’s coat of arms “is the Crown established by a Royal Warrant in 1917 for the sons and daughters of the Heir Apparent,” according to Kensington Palace. The crown is decorated with two patée crosses, two strawberry leaves, and four fleurs-de-lis.
What is the Garter King of Arms?
The Garter King of Arms is the chief king of arms and the oldest officer of arms of the College of Arms, the heraldic authority with jurisdiction over England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Since 1415, the Garter has been the principal advisor to the sovereign of the United Kingdom on flag raising, ceremony, and heraldry.
Heraldic coats of arms are a means of identification that has been maintained in Europe for nearly nine hundred years and is associated with individuals as well as large corporations, cities, and universities.
