On November 19, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall. In honor of the Prince and Princess of Wales, there was something new in the event brochure. The couple’s shields from their Conjugal Coat of Arms have been updated.
Though they first received their Conjugal Coat of Arms when they married over a decade ago, the updated version reflects their new status as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The new heraldic emblem was displayed in a dedication to the prince and princess, thanking them for their support. The event is the Royal Variety Charity’s signature fundraiser, supported by the royal family for over a century. After dealing with the cancer diagnosis of both his father and his wife in recent months, William and Kate deserved a night out.
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s new coat of arms features a lion and unicorn
Flanked by the Royal Lion and Unicorn, the emblem displays William’s badge on the left with Kate’s badge to the right. Additionally, a coronet depicts the Prince of Wales’ official motto Ich Dien (“I serve” in German). The ornamental emblem includes another coronet-wearing lion.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, King Charles ascended to the throne. In his first speech as sovereign, he announced William as the new Prince of Wales.
The title Prince of Wales has traditionally been given to the monarch’s male heir since 1301. At the same time William gained the title, Kate became the Princess of Wales. Princess Diana, William’s mother, previously held the title.
Though now-Queen Camilla technically became the Princess of Wales when she married Charles, she didn’t use the title due to its close association with Diana. Rather, she used another of Charles’ titles as the Duchess of Cornwall. Though they don’t talk much about it, there’s currently a power struggle going on between Camilla and Kate.
While William received his shield when he turned 18, Kate’s shield is a newer creation. The Middleton Coat of Arms was presented to Michael Middleton, Kate’s father, prior to William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Though the Conjugal Coat of Arms will always belong to them, it may change over time along with their titles. Likely the emblem will be redesigned when William eventually ascends to the throne.
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