May 25 (UPI) — Meghan Markle, the new duchess of Sussex, has received a coat of arms.
Kensington Palace unveiled the design in a tweet Friday following the 36-year-old actress’ marriage to Prince Harry.
Queen Elizabeth II and Thomas Woodcock, the Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald, approved the new coat of arms. The queen worked closely with the College of Arms to create the design for Markle.
The blue shield represents the Pacific Ocean bordering the actress’ home state of California, while the two golden rays symbolize California sunshine. The three quills represent communication and the power of words.
Several golden poppies, California’s state flower, and wintersweet, which grows at Kensington Palace, appear in the grass below the shield.
In addition, Markle’s Supporter is a songbird with an open beak, which also signifies the power of communication. Her Coronet features two crosses patée, four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves.
“The Duchess of Sussex took a great interest in the design. Good heraldic design is nearly always simple and the Arms of The Duchess of Sussex stand well beside the historic beauty of the quartered British Royal Arms,” Woodcock said in a statement.
The coat of arms is typically given to the father of the bride ahead of a royal wedding. The new design was given directly to Markle, whose father, Thomas Markle, did not attend her nuptials, marking a break in royal tradition.
Markle will also receive a conjugal coat of arms with Prince Harry. People said the design will likely be unveiled in a couple years.
Markle and Harry tied the knot Saturday, May 19 at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The couple made their first public appearance since at a celebration for Harry’s father, Prince Charles, this week.
