MEGHAN’S COAT OF CHARMS..
California sunshine for royal shield
IT looks like the Duchess of Sussex was doing a little California dreamin’ when she helped create her royal coat of arms.
Meghan Markle worked closely on the heraldic design, coming up with a symbol that is “personal and representative”.
The result, unveiled yesterday, is a mix of British royal tradition and references to the Los Angeles-born actress’s home state.
The blue background of the shield suggests the Pacific Ocean off the California coast.
Two rays across the shield are symbolic of the sunshine of the Golden
State, while three quills signify communication and the power of words.
Beneath the shield on the grass are golden poppies, California’s state flower, and wintersweet, a plant popular at her new London home, Kensington Palace.
The “supporters” on either side of the shield see Prince Harry represented by the royal golden lion while a songbird, elevated as if flying with an open beak, represents the Duchess and also alludes to communication.
The completed design was presented to Meghan, 36, rather than to the father of the bride before a wedding as is customary.
Thomas, 73, was unable to attend last Saturday’s ceremony in Windsor after having an operation following a heart attack. The design was approved by the Queen and by Thomas Woodcock, the Garter Principal King of Arms. Meghan and Harry, 33, will now work on a “conjugal coat of arms”, to be unveiled in a few years.
Mr Woodcock revealed: “The Duchess took a great interest in the design. Good heraldic design is nearly always simple and the arms of the Duchess stand well beside the quartered royal arms.”