Prince William and Princess Kate quietly debut new coat of arms
The emblem has been updated to reflect their status as Prince and Princess of Wales
Prince William and Princess Kate have subtly unveiled a new symbol of their shared royal identity, an updated version of their Conjugal Coat of Arms.
The updated emblem was quietly featured in the official program for the Royal Variety Performance on November 19.
Prince William and Kate Middleton reveal new coat of arms at Royal Variety Performance
The couple’s glitzy date night at London’s Royal Albert Hall may have captured attention for their radiant appearance.
At the annual black tie event, Kate stunned in a velvet Talbot Runhof gown, while William looked sharp in a classic black tux.
On the red carpet, the couple shared a brief but sweet moment of PDA. The prince gently placed a hand on Kate’s back as they entered the Royal Albert Hall.
However, eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed something even more significant tucked into the brochure: a fresh rendering of their joint heraldic emblem, updated to reflect their status as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The updated Coat of Arms was seen in a dedication from the Royal Variety Charity thanking the couple for attending.
It combines William and Kate’s individual shields side by side, flanked by the traditional Royal Lion and Unicorn.
The design now includes several key additions that nod directly to William’s current title. These include the Prince of Wales’ feathers, the German motto “Ich Dien” (“I serve”), and a coronet reflecting his position as heir apparent.
William and Kate were granted their original Conjugal Coat of Arms in 2013. However, this marks the first major visual revision since King Charles named William as the new Prince of Wales in September 2022, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Coat of arms details
The dual-shield emblem is rich in symbolism.
Prince William’s shield, granted when he turned 18, displays traditional British emblems, including the three lions of England, the lion of Scotland, and the harp of Ireland.
These motifs are also surrounded by the blue garter and its French motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”).
The Royal Lion and Unicorn supporters each wear a collar with a red scallop shell. This detail was borrowed from the Spencer family coat of arms to honour William’s late mother, Princess Diana.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate’s shield was created ahead of the couple’s 2011 wedding. It features three acorns representing her and her siblings, and a gold chevron symbolising her mother’s maiden name, Goldsmith. The white chevrons reflect the mountains and Lake District, a beloved family destination.
The Waleses have held their titles for over a year. But this refined design has not been shared with the public until now.
The initial announcement regarding their Coat of Arms previously read: “The Conjugal Arms will be theirs forever. However as their circumstances and roles alter, elements of the accoutrements around the shields may change.”
Read more: BBC set for ‘huge problem’ renewing Royal Charter if Prince William ‘doesn’t trust’ broadcaster
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