Duchess of Sussex gets her own Coat of Arms – but what exactly do all those things on it mean?

Duchess of Sussex gets Coat of Arms Title Sussex Magazine www.titlesussex.co.uk Photo: Alexi Lubomirski

It’s something that comes from Her Majesty the Queen and something else her father’s input is missing from (Americans don’t have coats of arms). Meghan, Duchess of Sussex now has her very own Coat of Arms.

In typical Meghan style she’s been very involved with the design, which was agreed and approved by Her Majesty The Queen and Mr Thomas Woodcock (Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald in England), and it’s a Coat of Arms that is both personal and representative.

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 three quills represent communication and the power of words.

Duchess of Sussex Coat of Arms on Title Sussex Magazine www.titlesussex.co.ukBeneath the shield on the grass sits a collection of golden poppies, California’s state flower, and wintersweet, which grows at Kensington Palace.

A Coronet has also been assigned to The Duchess of Sussex; one 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.

The arms of a married woman are shown with those of her husband and the technical term is that they are impaled, meaning placed side by side in the same shield. Ouch.

It’s unclear yet whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will take a residence in the county but with major new channels such as the BBC and national press all publishing guides to the best of Sussex it’s clear we’re in the spotlight for a bit. So look lively, people of Sussex

About Sam Harrington-Lowe
As the managing editor Sam is responsible for all the Title publications and works diligently to develop the brand and support relationships with all partners and clients. She runs things with her dedicated PA Ms Alice Pickle Pug