The Middleton family has been given its own coat of arms as part of the preparations for the Royal Wedding on April 29
The traditional coat of arms, which shows three acorns and a blue and red background, will give Kate Middleton heraldic parity with Prince William.
The acorns represent the three Middleton children and show strength and England. They are also symbolic of the fact that oak tress are common in Bucklebury, in Berkshire, where the family live.
There’s also a gold chevron, a pun on Kate Middleton’s maiden name Goldsmith.
Thomas Woodcock, Garter King of Arms, said: “Every coat of arms has been designed to identify a person, school or organisation and to last for ever. Heraldry is Europe’s oldest, most visual and strictly regulated form of identity … After her marriage Catherine Middleton will place her father’s arms beside those of her husband in what is known as an impaled coat of arms. This will require a royal warrant from the Queen.”
A royal wedding souvenir programme will be sold in London on the morning of the wedding for £2. Proceeds will go towards the princes’ charitable foundation. Only 150,000 copies will be printed.
