Being a royal may look like fun and games, but it’s no walk in the park (hello, Meghan Markle’s duchess lessons). Even so, there are traditional perks to the gig—including getting your own Coat of Arms, approved by Queen Elizabeth.
In case you aren’t regally inclined, a Coat of Arms is a distinctive shield that represents a person or family, and it’s something that newly minted royal Meghan Markle now has. Kensington Palace debuted Markle’s official crest on Friday morning, and each symbol is packed full of meaning.
The Duchess of Sussex’s crest features maroon and sapphire detailing on a shield over a grassy patch. There is a distinct crown at the top, and it is complemented by a lion and a white dove, both wearing matching crowns themselves.
Scroll through what each image actually signifies, courtesy of the palace’s press statement.
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The Blue Background and Golden Rays on the Shield
“The blue background of the shield represents the Pacific Ocean off the California coast, while the two golden rays across the shield are symbolic of the sunshine of The Duchess’s home state.”
The 3 Quills
“The three quills represent communication and the power of words.”
The Grassy Area
“Beneath the shield on the grass sits a collection of golden poppies, California’s state flower, and wintersweet, which grows at Kensington Palace.”
The Lion and the Songbird
“It is customary for Supporters of the shield to be assigned to Members of the Royal Family, and for wives of Members of the Royal Family to have one of their husband’s Supporters and one relating to themselves. The Supporter relating to The Duchess of Sussex is a songbird with wings elevated as if flying and an open beak, which with the quill represents the power of communication.”
The Coronets (i.e. the Small Crowns)
“A Coronet has also been assigned to The Duchess of Sussex. It is the Coronet laid down by a Royal Warrant of 1917 for the sons and daughters of the Heir Apparent. It is composed of two crosses patée, four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves.”