Friday 25 May 2018

The Duchess of Sussex's Coat of Arms Released!

The Duchess of Sussex has received her very own coat of arms. As expected, the result is incredibly well thought out, encompassing places close to Meghan's heart and her belief in the power of words. The design of the arms was agreed and approved by the Queen and Mr Thomas Woodcock (Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald in England), who is based at the College of Arms in London. Meghan worked closely with the College of Arms throughout the design process to create a coat of arms that was 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.


Beneath the shield on the grass sits a collection of golden poppies, California's state flower, and wintersweet, which grows at Kensington Palace. 


Both the poppies and wintersweet were included on Meghan's wedding veil.


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. 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 patΓ©e, 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 on the same shield.


Below, Prince Harry's Coat of Arms.


Mr Thomas Woodcock, Garter King of Arms, said:

"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. Heraldry as a means of identification has flourished in Europe for almost nine hundred years and is associated with both individual people and great corporate bodies such as cities, universities and for instance the livery companies in the City of London."

More from the Palace:

'The blazon or technical description of the arms is Azure a Feather bendwise Argent quilled between two Bendlets Or all between two like Feathers Argent quilled Or. This follows the heraldic tradition at the College of Arms of giving capital letters to all the heraldic tinctures and to the principal charges. The supporters are blazoned the Lion as borne and used as a supporter by Our Dearly Beloved Grandson His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales Duke of Sussex and A Songbird wings elevated Argent beaked armed and gorged with a Coronet of Our Dearly Beloved Grandson’s Degree Or. The area on which the Supporters stand and on which the shield rests is known as a compartment. The Supporters are therefore Upon a Compartment of grass proper growing therefrom golden poppies and wintersweet both flowering proper.'

People reports:

'The traditional design, customized with colors and symbols, is typically given to the father of the bride just ahead of a royal wedding, but amid the drama surrounding Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, in the lead-up to the royal wedding, the decision has been made to give the coat of arms directly to Meghan herself, which is a total break in royal tradition.
Now that Meghan has received her coat of arms, she and Harry can get their own “conjugal coat of arms,” which will likely be officially unveiled in a couple years. William and Kate’s made its debut in September 2013, just over two years after their April 2011 wedding.'

Meghan's new cipher featured on the letterhead.

The end result makes for one striking coat of arms, and it was fascinating to hear the process and inspirations behind the choices and wonderful to see the power of words and communication included.

189 comments:

  1. Glad to see Meghan’s home state represented in the arms, and I’m also glad to see that her half siblings won’t get to use them. That may sound ugly, but after all they’ve said about her, they don’t deserve any honors.

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    1. Yay!!! That's a big Phew for me too!!

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    2. @Anon23 - I completely agree that her half-siblings (and father, IMO) should have absolutely no rights to use this Coat of Arms. I'm sure the way they've done it was intentional and will give the College of Arms the ability to issue cease and desists to any other Markle family members who try to use it. Good! Her half-siblings have been horrible to her and they don't deserve to be a part of her life going forward - in any manner, CoA's included! - unless Meghan wishes it.

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    3. I totally agree. Her family has been horrid and embarrassing. I’m afraid they will continue to haunt her for many years to come. It’s interesting that she can only count on her mother and that there aren’t any other family members who truly stand by her. This crest symbolizes her independence and her choice to break from these toxic family members. I wonder how she will continue to manage all this.

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    4. And nor should those toxic half siblings be allowed to use it! No doubt they'll try.
      Really, if they'd acted like half decent, albeit distant, family members this could have been very different for them.
      I feel for the father, I really do. Probably the worst you can say of him is that he's guillable and a bit naive. They - and I mean the Royal Family / palace aides etc - really do owe her immediate family a duty of care that should have extended to her father. Probably was offered but turned down. Nevertheless they and Meghan & Harry really should have insisted and this whole debacle could have been avoided, bratty half siblings nonwithstanding.
      I have to say I was pretty impressed that Piers Morgan said it like it is and called the half-sister a vulture and whichever show was hosting the half brother's ex wife & sons' as 'commentators'saw the writing on the wall and dropped them. Wise move. Esp being England based!
      Anyhow, if anything her errant family drama may have endeared her sooner to the Royal Family. And God knows Kate with her uncle and the Royals themselves are not without dysfunction so what's that saying about throwing stones and glass houses?! Besides, that was just great fodder for the media in the end.
      IMHO the wedding was wonderful - totally them and quite emotional, as a great wedding often is, she was sublime & her dress totally on point, the American preacher (& the reactions) was a classic, a real highlight and major point of difference to Kate & Wills lovely but proper nuptials.
      It was so very heart string pulling to see Harry so nervous prior & emotional as she arrived & during the service. I always thought he'd be likely to show it on the day and how could anyone not look at him during that hymn when Meghan arrived at the altar and not think 'oh he's thinking of/missing Diana'. *gulp** image of him at 12 following her coffin pops up*
      Like Meghan said in her engagement interview it's all just noise (the Markle Family Debarcle) and when you strip it down, they're just two people in love. She's a catch and so is he so I say bloody good on them both and congratulations and best of luck!
      Love won out on the day! Long may it last as by all accounts they both deserve this and I really didn't mean to go on as long as I have! :-o

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    5. 🌸 Ya’ll. You are missing the WHOLE point, lol.

      They gave the COA to Meghan.
      Not to her father as is routinely done.
      They gave it to Meghan directly
      SO THAT her family has NO legal right to it.

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    6. Pam from Boston29 May 2018 at 14:47

      What is the modern day purpose of a Coat of Arms anyway, for the average person? How and why would Thomas Markle want to use it anyway or have a legal right to it?

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  2. The design is beautiful, and so well- considered to express her background and her interests in her new role. It seems feminine and regal. Lovely.

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  3. Sorry Charlotte, I'm confused..... so what we see is Meghan's complete individual Coat of Arms? What's throwing me is that the left side looks like a Windsor type of Coat of Arms? So initially I was thinking this was the combined Coat of Arms for H&M, but it's not? Sorry, this is an area that I know far too little about! :)

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    1. @Becca USA - for women marrying the male royal, the wife's Coat of Arms is "impaled" with the husbands...meaning half is the wife's CoA and half is her husband's CoA.

      It's the same for all of the married-ins: Kate: https://tinyurl.com/y75e2t73

      Camilla: https://tinyurl.com/y9d5y92s

      Diana: https://tinyurl.com/yap9b8jh


      Then, later, they (Harry and Meghan) will get a conjugal coat of arms to represent them as a married couple. Here is Will and Kate's: https://secure.i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02684/arms_2684937k.jpg . For this one, Meghan's side of the arms will be her own design on the full shield.

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    2. I only know a very little about heraldry, but I think it’s traditional for a married woman’s arms to be impaled, or side by side on the same shield, with her husband’s. So this is her individual coat of arms. If Harry and Meghan are granted a conjugal coat of arms like William and Kate were in 2013 (I think?) then their shields would be shown individually.

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    3. I thought Kate had her own CoA without half being Williams. Wasn't it a blue shield with a laurel wreath, a red bow, the gold chevron for Carole and the three acorn sprigs for the Kate, Pippa and James? Then after George's birth, her's was incorporated with his for the conjugal CoA.

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    4. @Kate - yes, Kate did have a CoA before the wedding because one was granted to Michael Middleton. Kate's was in the shape of a lozenge (not a shield) and had a bow on top, to indicate she was an unmarried woman. The pattern/design on the CoA was the same though (what you said: the white peaks, acorns, gold chevron). Kate's current CoA is half William's, to indicate that now she is his wife/Duchess.

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    5. Ooohhh, ok. Thanks @inthekitchen. Btw, hope you aren't on the kitchen today. Lovely day where I am.

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    6. ITK, thanks for the additional links. As soon as I saw this post, I was thinking I need to see what the other women's CoA looked like. I think it's lovely. Meghan must be 'over the moon' with the changes and structure and lifestyle she has undergone.

      Thank you!

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  4. What I do know, is that I'm So Glad She Received it Herself, & that it was Not given to her father & family!! Yikes!!! Close Call!!!

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  5. I love that the golden poppy keeps coming back and that they included the California coastline!

    Is it traditional for a royal spouse's "supporter" to wear the crown as a collar rather than on the head? I don't really understand much about coat of arms in general, so it's all lost on me lol!

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    1. I know Camilla, Sophie, and Kate have theirs the same way.

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    2. I believe the collar version of the crown/coronet on the animal supporter (aka "engorged of a crown") indicates they are not "regnant" themselves--they have their royal connections by being spouses.
      The Queen's and Phillip's conjugal arms are quite complex--heraldry still has some issues with Queens Regnant--so you'll notice that her supporter (the lion) has both the crown as collar AND the crown as headwear: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_of_Princess_Elizabeth_and_Philip_Mountbatten,_Duke_of_Edinburgh#/media/File:Combined_Coat_of_Arms_of_Elizabeth_and_Philip,_the_Duchess_and_Duke_of_Edinburgh.svg
      QEII's arms are on the right, as the wife, in a lozenge--even though she's the higher ranked of the two.

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    3. HM may have wanted it that way. Think of her happy years in Malta as simply the wife of a Naval officer. Also, there is Phillip's alleged sensitivity to his position literally behind the Queen. Perhaps the COA was a bit of peace offering or appeasement.
      I wonder what Elizabeth I's COA looked like?

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  6. It's also so lovely seeing her cipher!

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  7. beautiful...it also looks like there is a subtle nod to her ancestors... see: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5027891/Harry-Meghan-cousins-family-tree-1480-reveals.html

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    1. Ooohhh, good catch, Melanie!

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    2. 🌸 Thanks Melanie. Knowing Meghan’s history and family infrastructure helps with a better understanding of Meghan. πŸ˜‰

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    3. 🌸 Melanie. Awesome family tree. No one can argue with that. Thanks again. :)

      What if? Maybe. It is not totally coincidence that Meghan chose a blue background, feathers and fleur-de-lis. Everyone of those is in her heritage Merckel Coat of Arms. hmmm. Food for thought, yeh?

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  8. Wow - how exciting! I have been waiting with bated breath for this. Her Coat of Arms is beautiful and so thoughtful. I love how there are references to her home state but also her own personal interests: the quill and the songbird to represent the power of communication (and gives us another hint that she means to make her voice heard, as a royal duchess). I also think the quill is an allusion to her past love of a hand-written letter and her calligraphy background.

    I love her cipher too. Although, it's interesting that the 'M' is different than what we saw on the official souvenir wedding china, and much thinner strokes than Harry's 'H'.

    I don't know about you all, but I've been having some serious wedding-withdrawal since the garden party engagement, so this news is well-timed. A bit of fun to tide us over the weekend. I'm hoping that next week we might hear a few tidbits about her next appearance or some charity plans. It's highly likely, right, that we will definitely see them at the Trooping the Color? I'm assuming so and also assuming they are now away for the honeymoon so I'm doubting we'll see them before the June 9 Trooping. But, hopefully they know we are all dying for more updates from them (well, I'm dying anyway, lol)...so hopefully we'll hear some news while they are off enjoying their honeymoon.

    Anyone have thoughts about where they went on honeymoon? I'm guessing Botswana? Or maybe somewhere less predictable, like when they (reportedly) went on that Nordic trip to see the northern lights.

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    1. ITK, no you are so not alone with your withdrawal!! :) I can't wait for trooping & it would be great to see them before then or even have some updates on their upcoming engagements. Perhaps we'll get announcements about Meghan's charities & any possible future solo engagements she may do this summer? Re: Honeymoon..... I know it's not exciting...... but I hope they are relaxing somewhere on a tropical beach & are recharging their batteries, while being exceedingly pampered! :)

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    2. I’m also in withdrawal, especially with Kate on mat leave! I might have to rewatch the wedding this weekend.

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    3. ITK I’m suffering from withdrawal as well LOL. I’m trying to remember that lots of good stuff is coming but it’s tough going right now haha. I also think they’ve snuck away to their honeymoon and we won’t see them until Trooping the Colour which isn’t that far away but it feels like it. I like to think they went away to a tropical island somewhere with lots of sand and sun and palm trees. But it’s most likely they went somewhere in Africa. I think their chances of privacy are higher there and it’s a place that means a lot to them so I can easily see it.

      As for Meghan’s coat of arms, I really like it. Admittedly I don’t know too much about it. Particularly the quills symbolism which I also took as a reference to her writing history. Not only for The Tig but other pieces she’s written such as the Elle essay. I also hope this means we’ll see her continue to write in some capacity in her new role. Now that she doesn’t have The Tig anymore and it was a creative outlet for her, I can see her write an essay on a cause she’ll work on. And what media outlet wouldn’t publish it?? Granted she couldn’t be political but she could push a boundary or two while staying on message. Anyways sorry for the ramble but I was just surprised at seeing those quills so prominently:)

      My only question is whether or it’s really a break in protocol for only Meghan to get the coat of arms. People makes it seem like the drama with her dad that last week caused some big change and purposely leave the Markle out but looking at the design of the CoA it looks very much designed for Meghan herself. So it doesn’t look like the Markles were ever getting a CoA, which because of that drama seems a wise choice. The Markles aren’t British subjects and if anything that seems like the reason for it. Any thoughts??

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    4. @Roxana - re: your question about whether this is a break in protocol. No, it's been done before. The current Duchess of Gloucester had her own personal Coat of Arms (as opposed to hers coming from her father's) when she married the Duke of G. I think the reason was that her parents were divorced (or maybe her father was deceased?) and/or he did not have a CoA. So, similar situation to Meghan where it was clear the CoA should not be granted to the father to trickle down to the daughter...but rather the daughter should get a CoA in her own right.

      Re: the quills, I don't know if it's a hint that she will continue with written expression or just that she will continue to use her voice. Here's what the designer of the CoA said: "The three quills represent communication and the power of words."

      I'm with you though, I would love for her to write articles or even have space on the royal website to "blog" about her experiences with her charities or her plans for the work she will do. That would feel very modern and unique.

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    5. 🌸 Good idea, ITK. Meghan gave up “The Tig” and her Instagram. Having her own Royal Blog like you said would be so effective. So cool.
      I very much hope that happens. I think it will. 😊

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    6. Fantastic idea. I'd love for Meghan to have a royal blog or something like it!!!

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    7. Wasn't the Duchess of Gloucester Danish? That could be why she acquired a personal coat of arms.

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    8. I imagine she’s getting her clothes ready for the rest of the summer. Then away they will go. I have such high hopes for them, together with Will and Kate, to do good and make the Queen proud.

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    9. @inthekitchen - I had the same idea that we might see Meghan take to ye royal blogge and pen periodic essays on causes near and dear to her heart! I'd LOVE this wonderfully creative endeavor if it ever came to fruition!

      I've been dreaming up ideas for Meghan and Harry's honeymoon. :) My fiance and I are planning a trip to the YucatΓ‘n for our own honeymoon, and I stumbled across this delightful guide that Meghan wrote for MyDomaine in December, 2015, to the popular Mexican beach town of Tulum. I'm guessing they're not here at the moment, but doesn't it sound divine??

      I wonder if they're enjoying a gorgeous trip in Positano or Lake Como, or enjoying the wine regions in Argentina or trekking around Bariloche in Patagonia. I feel like they're adventurers at heart :)

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  9. It's beautiful, and I love the letterhead. But why does the bird look like it's being strangled by the crown? That's some symbolism there!

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    1. I thought the same thing. Oh dear.

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    2. Grenada and JLM - Perhaps a bird could not fly wearing a crown:)
      Or because Meghan is not born a princess ??

      I like this coat of arms,I like it very much!

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    3. 🌸 ruh roe. 😳 You guys. It does look like the bird is being encumbered by the crown.
      Like bluhare often says, “now that I’ve seen that I can’t unsee it”.
      I wish they had chosen a prettier song bird. It reminds me of a white raven. Sorry. But it does. I am so glad though that she got a Coat of Arms. I have been nagging them about that for months, lol. πŸ˜‰

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    4. I wondered the same thing -- like, why is it wearing the crown like a slave's collar? That's where my mind went. Not in any kind of racial way. I just think the songbird does look like it's barely surviving strangulation from that crown lol! Oh dear.

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    5. Finally! I've been waiting for this! It's fun to see my state represented on her COA as well as at the wedding on her veil. =)

      Becca, if you look at Harry's the white unicorn's crown is actually tethered to the ground by a chain, so Meghan's songbird's looks more like a collar, if you see what I mean.

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    6. The bird image might have needed a bit more tweaking, it does look like the poor bird is being strangled by the weight of the crown. Maybe a lighter crown image or modify the bird image?

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    7. I don't like the bird either. If nothing else, it is the same size as the lion and of course, birds are always much smaller. To me, the exaggerated giant bird look cartoonish and the crown around its neck adds to the silliness.

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    8. How large is a unicorn though?

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    9. The crown is always around the neck of a married-in Royal, and on the head of a Royal by birth. That’s the entire story. Nothing at all to do with Meghan the individual. Have a look at Catherine’s or Camilla’s.

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  10. I really like her coat of arms. Really well thought out and I like all the significant details included. I'm having withdrawal too - I am listening to Podcasts about the royal wedding to help. On Heir is one podcast that Charlotte has recommended before and I'm really enjoying it

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  11. surfer girl here. :)

    I read that the Duchess of Gloucester was given her own Coat of Arms also once upon a time.
    Very bold move to give Meghan her own. Wise move by the Palace. Many headlines coming from her family no doubt.
    I am eager to see the combined Coat of Arms.

    Side Note. How does one put a picture and screen name by our texts? I forget how I did that. (don’t laugh) Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

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    1. @Anonymous - my picture shows up because I'm logged in with my google account. I don't know how to get a picture otherwise. Hope this helps :)

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    2. 🌸 Thanks. ITK. I got that worked out. I hope I don’t have to that again because I not real sure exactly how I did it, lol. πŸ˜‰

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    3. 🌸 (see above how working with tech stuff affects even my grammar, lol)

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  12. Eve from Germany25 May 2018 at 17:16

    I´m sorry I´m just totally distracted by Harry´s coat of arms. Didn´t know it is THAT beautiful.... quite regal, actually..
    I´m honestly completely amazed as to what this woman has been doing during the last 6 months - absolutely amazing... just think of all the meetings, the things you have to learn about, just in order to be able to co-create such a coat of arms... I guess "work-shy" won´t be amongst the adjectives we will ever hear attributed to her.... If she continues like this (which I have no doubt about), she will prove to be a superb asset to the Monarchy. Well done, Meghan, you rock!! And lest we forget: Well done, Harry,lol!!! ;-))

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    1. So true. From the outside, I'm sure many think - what do these people do all day? - but I would spend weeks researching what I wanted, reviewing what others have, etc. And that's just the CoA. There are so many other ways and places that she's been thrown into - designers, her gown, the music, the programs - the list just goes on and on.

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    2. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes. And, fortunately, Meghan is getting credit for it. :-)

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  13. It is fun to guess, so on their honeymoon, they are taking a cruise on the Adriatic Sea. Main stop would be the Croatian Islands. Parthenia

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  14. Charlotte, could you lend any insight into why the crown is around the songbird's neck?

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    1. Hello,

      That's fairly standard. On William and Kate's there's a crown around the neck of the unicorn.

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    2. Thank you for the reply! It seems an interesting placement, and I wonder if there might be deeper meaning given that there's symbolism behind each detail. The most I can find at this point is that all crown's are typically placed either on the top of the head or around the neck of the supporter.

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  15. Silvia from Tuscany25 May 2018 at 18:03

    I don't know much of heraldic subject, but I like that her Coat of Arms remebers her origins and her interests and that it was given directly to her without involving her family. Wish them an unforgettable honeymoon!

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  16. Sylvia from PA25 May 2018 at 18:03

    I heard an interview explaining that only British citizens could be given a coat of arms. That's why Michael Middleton got one but Meghan's father did not. Of course she is not yet a citizen either but maybe they have different rules for wives.

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    1. Thank you Sylvia, good to know.

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    2. 🌸 I read that Mr.Markle has British ancestors and that qualifies him for a Coat of Arms. Apparently they decided to give Meghan her own
      for family reasons.

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  17. Well, the flowers are lovely but I'm not sure about the bird. I have a pet bird and what I see is a bird that has just been scared by the lion. I would have preferred the bird to have its wings down or perhaps slightly draped around the shield.

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    1. JLM- I just have to say it: the "songbird" looks like a dove, the coronet looks like it is choking the bird (why is the cornet around his neck- did it slip?) and the bird looks like it is about to take a nip out of the crown. It doesn't look like any old lion is gonna scare it off. Fierce bird!
      Plus that bird is TWEETING!

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    2. It is typical to put the crown around the neck of whatever animal it is. I think if the birds posture was a bit different the crown would have looked fine (i.e., resting on the upper chest rather than right against the neck).

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    3. The Crown is (I believe) always on the neck. Problem is that the bird has a much shorter neck than say, for example, a horse (Duchess of Cambridge) or a unicorn (POW). Don't believe there is any way around this.

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    4. The coronet signifies her title of duchess. It is around the neck for those not born in. Harry's is on his head. All the married in royals have theirs this way.

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  18. 🌸 I am with you in your feelings about that bird, JLM.
    Yikes. 😳

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  19. Also feeling very left behind as the wedding is over, the baby is born, and so on. :)

    I love seeing and reading about the coat of arms, and it is so appropriate to allow Meghan to assist in the design of one for her. I read that you had to show lineage in Britain rather than being a citizen, but I think it's clear that a general "Markle" coat of arms would be used by our favorite two half-siblings. There is so much meaning in the design and I imagine that her father doesn't care one bit that he doesn't have one! I love the bird for Meghan. :)

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  20. I love the coat of arms. I always find those wonderful.

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  21. I'm seeing so many comments from those suffering "Sussex Withdrawls". I think it's quite likely they have slipped away for the honeymoon and will be back for Trooping the Colour. I do know they have a packed year ahead and there will be much to look forward to on the royal engagement front and there's several overseas trips scheduled. We also have the summer season to look forward to; polo, possibly Ascot, Wimbledon, a trip to Balmoral. It's going to be a fun year for royal watchers :)

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    1. 🌸 awwh. Thanks for the encouragement, Charlotte.
      Very encouraging.😊 xo

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    2. Thanks, Charlotte! I've definitely been suffering. I really can't wait to see all the work they're going to do this year!

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    3. Can't wait to see her outfits

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    4. Thanks Charlotte. I imagine this little break AKA honeymoon is a good tome for you and other amazing Meghan bloggers to take a little breather as the run up to the wedding was such a busy time. :)

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    5. Ascot!! Do we need to get going on styling choices for Meghan, like we did for Kate?

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    6. Joanne in California29 May 2018 at 04:17

      Thanks Charlotte! Looking forward to it!! Agree surfer girl...very encouraging :)

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  22. 🌸 Diplomacy. Giving Meghan her own Coat of Arms
    was wise diplomacy.

    Meghan having the Mulroney children prominently in her wedding was very wise diplomacy also.

    Sure she obviously knows and loves the children and they obviously love her. But their father is the son of a former Prime Minister of Canada. Apparently it seems that he is still very broadly connected in government and industry circles.
    Having the children so prominently in the wedding was gold. Like a Royal Tour of Canada. πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦

    Meghan may have inadvertently realized that, but the Palace most likely noticed directly for sure.

    I mean the girl came with some clout and credentials.
    Standing ovation from the leader of the United Nations and Hillary Clinton (a childhood acquaintance of hers). (Hillary was acknowledged as being there during the speech.) Friends of the Trudeaus. Friends with Serena Williams. Friends (?) of Oprah. Friends of George and Amal Clooney. Not to name drop or anything, lol. πŸ˜‰

    She had recognized and lauded articles published in many major magazines. Articles of import and not just fluff (okay. some fluff but really really pretty fluff artistically presented). Ambassadorships and foreign ministry trips under her belt. Definitely the Palace noticed. πŸ˜‰

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    1. I don't think she has had an ambassadorship or been a foreign minister? It's nice that she has done the work she has so far. Strong women such as Oprah and Serena Williams remind us that they too have experienced being torn down negatively despite their accomplishments. Both just move on. Good standbys to have when entering the public world on a grander scale.

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    2. 🌸 Sky. :)
      Meghan served as an Ambassdar for World Vision I think it was, and one or two other organizations. She acted as a foreign minister also through the United Nations. I will give references following as soon as I retrace my google steps for that, lol.

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    3. 🌸 okay. found it, Sky. :)
      Global Ambassador, World Vision
      Advocate, United Nations Gender Equality
      Counselor, One World
      Assisted in foreign ministry, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff’s holiday tour to Afghanistan and Spain

      Delete
  23. On a side note. Harper's Bazaar just had an article about remarks Emilia Wickstead said about Meghan's wedding dress. If reported accurately I was very surprised that she critiqued another designer in the manner she did. Maybe that is usual? I do not follow designers or read much in fashion magazines, so maybe very typical. The gist of it was that the dress was a copy of one of hers and that Meghan's was very poorly fitted. She also griped about the messy hair:). Maybe she does not want to design or work with Meghan in the future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Has the green eyed monster made an appearance? How about, if you can't say something nice say nothing at all. Not very professional if statements are true.

      Delete
    2. Yep it just seemed so unprofessional I was very surprised.

      Delete
    3. How very unprofessional. Meghan's dress is a classic design that has been around in one form or another for many years. Apparently she didn't leave the complaints to the dress but commented on Meghan's hair also. If it were up to me Wickstead would be off the roster of designers for the RF. I think she's going to receive a lot of backlash for her snide comments.

      Delete
    4. Not a good professional move for Emilia Wickstead, if this is indeed true. As for the gown being a copy, well there wasn't much to copy. The dress was off the shoulders, straight cut, long sleeves and ultra plain. Surely nobody has the copyright to these details.

      Delete
    5. Well, the article accomplished two things. EW gets her name in the headlines. And, she sets herself up for NOT being summoned to Nottingham Cottage anytime soon. ;-)

      Delete
    6. 🌸 That dress is an age old Iconic style. No way anyone stole her design. Again, I hope her nonsensical comments were not born out of racism.

      Delete
    7. Duchess Meghan strike Emilia Wickstead from her contacts list. Duchess Kate strikes Emilia Wickstead from her contacts list. Everybody who likes them strikes Emilia Wickstead from their contacts list. . .

      Delete
    8. Incredible?! It’s really a very strange move on Emilia Wickstead’s to be so unprofessional and scathing - the dress was a classic, iconic design and I’m sure many designers have a bateaux style dress in their collection they can bring out. It’s quite ironic she’s critical of the fit, when most of us on here and DK have noticed her own finishing and tailoring was noticeably amiss on more than one occasion. But then to add comments about her hair too? Considering Meghan wore an outfit of hers only in the last few weeks I’m sure she’s sabotaged her relationship not only Meghan now but potentially Catherine and Sophie who have championed her brand. Nice Move Emilia.

      Delete
  24. 🌸 ali. wow. That’s okay by me, lol. I’m not a fan of that brand anyway. (No offense to those who are.) That was still very rude of her. That design of that dress is nothing new. It has been around a long time. And, if I know that certainly Emilia and her many peers know that. Stole that design from her? Totally no way. That style is so old it is Iconic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not been a fan of Emilia Wickstead's designs as well.

      Delete
  25. 🌸 surfer girlπŸ„‍♀️ loves the blue for the ocean 🌊
    the gold for the sunshine☀️ and the poppies for the state of California. πŸ€—

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have been waiting to see Meghan's Coat of Arms. She has not disappointed us. It truly represents her as I knew it would. Once conjoined with Harrys it will be absolutely magnificent. She does nothing half way and I believe she will never forget the place of her birth.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hope it's OK to vent---I read that her father said, on viewing her wedding, something about how beautiful his "baby" was and that he hoped they could have a nice honeymoon and that his relatives would shut up. I thought that was great, except it lead to the "royals inbreeding" and "father snubbed of coat of arms." I honestly don't go to these sites---they appear when you look for Meghan Markle news. I wish someone (I volunteer) would tell half-sister that, yes, father will not get a coat of arms, that as sweet as he may be, he does not deserve a coat of arms, and that MM is getting one only because of how she had handled her life. The Middletons are another situation---their children are represented by three acorns. What would half-siblings be represented by? Would it pass the censors? OK, thanks, I feel better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a tad late to tell the half sibling to shut up. This should have been decreed before the engagement was announced.

      Delete
    2. 🌸 Nothing short of a miracle will make her family hush. Legally they are doing nothing wrong.

      I just very much want to hear that Thomas, Jr. is tucked away in Oregon and that he is not in London anymore.

      Delete
    3. It is not just the notorious sites, Allison. I happened to read some of the KP Twitter comments following the garden party for Prince Charles's charities. My goodness! Just terrible remarks about Meghan. I don't understand why there is obviously no moderation at all. The language, including four letter words...
      I had not seen such remarks about Meghan and could not understand what all the fuss was about, as I don't frequent tabloid comment sections and celebrity blogs.
      KP Twitter is the PR arm of the four young royals. Why is this allowed?

      Interestingly enough, I don't recall a single unflattering or crude remark in that comment section about either Charles or Camilla from the same event. There were the usual anti monarchy/royal tax-guzzling family remarks, of course. I think it would be naΓ―ve to believe that there weren't at least some Camilla comments made.
      I am GOB-SMACKED !

      Delete
    4. I think those London photos were fakes. He doesn't have funds to travel and no one seems to be supporting him. And perhaps he could not come legally due to his legal misadventures.

      Nothing lately from Meghan's "twin" half-sister---either the father got to her, no one cares to pay her anymore, or she imploded.

      Delete
    5. Poor Oregon!

      Delete
    6. 🌸 22:02. 😳 That was on the KP Twitter account??? Thanks for the info.

      If anyone on Kate or Meghan’s team reads this you need to let them know.

      KP DEFINITELY needs to better moderate that.
      Can you imagine what this blog’s comments section would read like if Charlotte wasn’t a diligent moderator? She has already given us an inkling about that. Her due diligence speaks very highly of her.

      Kensington Palace. WHAT’S UP with your Twitter

      Delete
    7. lol her “twin.” Guess I’m not the only one who’s noticed that not only did she resume her maiden name, now she’s dyed her hair black and started wearing bronzer. It’s like she has no idea how ridiculous she is. That woman needs professional help.

      Delete
  28. Thank you Charlotte for the post. Do you think you could add some links to information about heraldry and symbolism as lots of the comments seem to indicate a bit of a deficit in this area

    ReplyDelete
  29. I like the idea of Meghan's coat of arms - I think it's the artwork that's a problem for me. The songbird looks strangled by the coronet. Perhaps if the coronet was positioned forward a bit it might help. Oh well, what's done is done and it's rather a nice combination of what Meghan stands for. As for her Markle relatives. . . I strongly believe her half-sister had a very strong hand in all the dad drama and it has come back to smack her hard in the face. This coat of arms is Meghan's and not the Markle family. I believe the RF handled it quite right.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Susan in Florida26 May 2018 at 00:06

    Her own Coat of Arms in her OWN right ! How cool is that ? How amazing? I love it !

    ReplyDelete
  31. 🌸 Will Meghan’s wedding gown, veil, tiara, shoes be on display at Kensington Palace like Kate’s was? πŸ‘°πŸ»
    If so, I hope the veil is displayed so that all the embroidery is easily seen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :) surfer girl,yes,I need more pictures of this awesome veil,it was a masterpiece!

      Delete
    2. Sign me up too! I want high quality, high definition photos of the veil in all its glory. I would dearly love to see the dress in person. I imagine it is one of those that gains beauty in person rather than in photographs.

      Delete
    3. 🌸 I know. :) I read about how long it took the workers to do that veil. Very tedious work. They had to wash their hands every thirty minutes so as not to soil the veil. Ostensibly, they had to keep the veil a secret even from their families. It took many hours of work.
      So it very much deserves to be clearly and prominently displayed.

      ALSO. There was an excellent program on National Geographic about a lot of the other people behind the scenes who made the wedding what it was. I highly recommend it.

      I hope Harry and Meghan get to see it. It might be on You Tube now, I don’t know.
      “Operation Royal Wedding.”πŸ‘‘

      Delete
    4. Ye, surfer girl, that special was delightful, wasn't it? I loved seeing the various artisans at work in so many different areas. It was a truly fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the amount of care and detail that goes into a royal wedding -- it could have been three times as long as I still would have enjoyed every minute!

      Delete
    5. 🌸 Emily and Laura. 😊 Oh I also wish the program had been at least three times as long. And wasn’t the Head Groundskeeper’s puppy
      SO cute? 🐾. He was really getting into that lawn. :) And rightly so. His job is a very important job, making sure the lawn is just perfect. πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  32. Such a well thought out Coat of Arms! I love that Meghan is represented by a songbird. The flowers at the base are a beautiful addition as well.

    Has anyone else seen these comments by Emilia Wickstead? While I can see some similarities between Meghan's dress and Ms. Wickstead's design, I thought the comments were a bit harsh. especially in regard to Meghan's hair. Even if you don't like a certain aspect of a look, there are more gracious ways to say it! I was surprised to hear these comments coming from someone the royal family frequently turns to for designs (including Meghan). I wonder if we will see Meghan in more of her designs in future?

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/royals/kate-middletons-go-to-designer-shaded-meghan-markles-wedding-dress-and-said-it-didnt-fit-her-properly/ar-AAxNMIP?ocid=sf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pam from Boston26 May 2018 at 19:26

      Yes, I think she just ruined her chances of Meghan choosing her designs in the future, but perhaps she doesn't care? If her opinion on Meghan is as low as it seems, maybe she would prefer to not be associated with her and remain closely associated with Kate. That leads to another possibility...that Kate will now shun her designs so she doesn't appear to be supporting her.

      Delete
    2. 🌸 It was very silly to comment about the things that she did in the way that she did. I hope the comments were not born from racism.

      Delete
    3. What is strange is that the dresses are similar but Meghan's waist area is completely difference. I prefer Meghan's because it is one smoothly flowing shape. Now pointing out that one has a similar and much cheaper gown is OK, but I don't like how the bust area appears in Emily's gown. Have to assume she didn't say those things though because it would be so foolish!

      Delete
    4. Meant "Emilia" :)

      And I hope Meghan's gown will be on display. That will allow people to appreciate the embroidery on the train.

      Delete
    5. Very unnecessary comment, and a bit mean. It makes for an interesting conversation though..
      Meghan's wedding dress is an absolute classic. It would in that case be a knock off from thousands of designs from the Middle Ages to modern times..
      Design: Almost off the shoulders, but not quite (Meghan has worn this look before, it really suits her by the way), long, slim sleeves (perfect for a spring wedding, in case of chill-even my Barbie had this design in the 1960's!!!!), simple front and a-line skirt (my own wedding dress and my brides maids had a similar look in the 1990's!). The focus is on the outstanding quality of the fabric and of course The Bride! Meghan: Many of Meghan's clothes are a bit too big around the waist. Is she pregnant, I do not know. In that case she would be about 7 months pregnant by now, as this is when they started reported about her loose fitting clothes. Sounds a bit far fetched in this modern world, that she would not be able to prevent pregnancy. I have a theory that her waist is really, really tiny in comparison to her torso and hips. so maybe by wearing clothes a bit looser around the wast, it elongates and evens out the look from top to toe. I do not know, I an just speculating here.
      Meghan's hair: personally I would have liked it a bit more styled with no whispy bits. But I just saw photos from a friend's wedding, the fashion is leaning towards a bit of "messy hair". This person is Meghan's age and is normally an incredibly well dressed and groomed woman, she leaves nothing to chance, in line with who I think Meghan is. For a royal wedding, I would say maybe don't, but the look is definitely out there, like it or not.
      Wickstead: She does design some odd pieces of clothing from time to time though, so if the royal ladies choose to faze her out, no big loss IMHO...
      My two cents...
      Royal πŸ‘‘ Watcher

      Delete
    6. Eve from Germany27 May 2018 at 07:33

      To me that sounded much more like someone not being able to deal with the disappointment and frustration that they "didn´t seal the deal". Like Meghan´s half-sister - just a case of very poor coping strategies....sigh.. Freud would have the time of his life with people like that... ;-)))

      Delete
    7. 🌸 Thanks, Heather. :)

      Delete
    8. I agree eve! Those grapes might be too sour even for vinegar!

      Delete
    9. I agree Eve and Bluhare, especially reading her fake .ss "apology" last night. And it is even funnier when you look at the bespoke pieces she made for Kate over the years and how ill fitted some were.

      Delete
  33. Oh, haha, I've just seen that Ali was thinking the same thing about Wickstead's comments!

    ReplyDelete
  34. It seems like Meghan's coat of arms is complex already. I wonder what her and Harry's conjugal coat of arms will look like? (The simplicity of Kate's seemed to make it easier to join coats together.)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hmm i love the clipper Question the why meghan family was not represented Hmm any thoughrs although i love their joint coat of arms hmmi truly represent her yes she never forget the place he birth Unlike the duchess cambridge her cost was complete her birth right her parents and her siblings

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a beautiful Coat of Arms and thank you Charlotte for a very informative post. It made me go and look at Coats of Arm for other members of the Royal Family. So glad it was given to the Duchess herself and not a family person. Bronwyn-Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tammy from California26 May 2018 at 04:25

    Wwll, I AM Tammy from California, so how could I NOT love the poppies?! Love the songbird too! What does it mean that the crown is down around the neck?

    ReplyDelete
  38. I think Meghan's Coat of Arms is rather beautiful. Maybe the bird is wearing a crown like necklace, not being held back or being prevented to fly by the weight of the crown (that potentially sits like a noose around its neck)? I certainly hope so!!! The bird does look a bit desperate to get away though πŸ˜‰. If it is any consolation, Harry's unicorn is chained down.. Maybe it is just the style of it all. I dearly hope that the Markle US branch cannot claim the Coat of Arms in any way. The Middleton Coat of Arms was a different situation all together. They were loyal for years, never uttered a word or put a foot wrong. Also, Kate has never asked or pushed for anything. She has put in much thought, time and work into improving opening up the conversation about mental health, without any formal recognition as yet. That deserves some respect.
    Royal πŸ‘‘ Watcher

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nicole from france26 May 2018 at 14:17

    I really had a good laugh reading some of the comments about the poor bird .... definitely, this blog and CatherinΓ©s are the best places to read and learn , again thank’you charlotte, you are even taking care of’our Post wedding blues .... ! I am sure that by this time, I know more about protocol , royal weddings and BRF life than I know about my own country laws and fonctionnement 😊 thank’you to all of you , worldwide community !

    ReplyDelete
  40. Just realized that Meghan’s little bridal party was significantly international, representing Britain, Canada, and US! That fact just brought a smile to my face.

    ReplyDelete
  41. While I am not the biggest fan of Meghan, I have to say that I absolutely love her coat of arms. The arms itself seems to be as articulate as she is in eloquently and symbolically conveying her skill set. I think that Kate's shows her closeness to her family (three acorns representing her siblings) and the strip of gold, her mother's maiden name – while Meghan's shows her independence. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a coat of arms made? I am very interested in this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On a Meghan's site, it is very peculiar to start a comment as you did. No offence meant.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous 17.58, if you aren't really a fan of Meghan, I do wonder why you even check out this blog.

      Here is a website that gives guidelines about having a coat of arms.

      https://ancestralfindings.com/real-truth-behind-coats-arms-family-crests/

      Delete
    3. Anon 17.58, it sounds as if you are becoming a fan, even if you are not ready to announce it. You undercut your first statement by a frank listing of some of Meghan's most important and admirable skills, and you add a further note of praise in setting Kate's family representation in her coat of arms beside Meghan's, who has no such fortunate family situation, but you give it a positive spin by using the well-weighted term "independence," which for a modern woman is definitely admirable. I think you like her a little!

      Yes, you should look into getting a coat of arms. Even American citizen can apply. Here is a quote from the College of Arms website:

      "Honorary arms may be granted to U.S. citizens and to citizens of countries within the Commonwealth where Queen Elizabeth II is not Head of State and where there is no national heraldic authority. They must meet the same criteria of eligibility for a grant as subjects of the Crown, and in addition they must record in the official registers of the College of Arms a pedigree showing their descent from a subject of the British Crown. This may be a recent forebear such as a parent or grandparent who lived in the same country under the British Crown; an emigrant from Britain, Ireland or anywhere else where the British monarch was Head of State; or a more distant ancestor such as inhabitant of the north American colonies before the recognition of American independence in 1783."

      See http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/services/granting-arms

      Delete
    4. 🌸 Thanks, Marci. :)

      Delete
    5. 🌸 Thanks, Laura. :)

      Delete
    6. There are reasons why someone who may not be a fan would read and comment here. I was not particularly a fan of kate yet I read and commented on that blog due to her position in the rf. Perhaps that is the case here too. It's my reason for participating here.

      Delete
    7. bluhare, I agree. I think there is plenty of reason for people who do not fit the definition of a "fan" to come here, read, and also to comment. I think we all gain thereby.

      surfer girl: You're welcome! I had a good time reading up on the subject. But then I saw the price tag-----oh my!

      Delete
    8. I always found it strange that people start off their comment announcing that they’re not a fan of someone on a fan blog dedicated to that person.

      Delete
  42. https://aroyalheraldry.weebly.com/blog an interesting blog devoted to royal heraldry

    ReplyDelete
  43. Zora from Prague26 May 2018 at 20:46

    Thank you for the beautiful post, Charlotte! I love how you included photos of the coastal area and of the flowers - well done! The coat of arms is great. I think the coronet is not on the dove's head because Meghan is not a princess of the blood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 🌸 I think you may be right about that, Zora. :)
      They would no doubt call that out representationally in the design.

      Delete
  44. Loving the coat of arms. OR should I say, half coat of arms. Does Meghan get her own or does she only share with Harry?

    ReplyDelete
  45. DuchessofEastTennessee9527 May 2018 at 00:40

    COA and cipher are beautiful. Happy she has found her prince. Happy Harry has his special someone in his life.❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
  46. When will this page be titled "Duchess Meghan"?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This has been discussed before....whether or not Charlotte would change the name and she was leaning towards not doing so. It appears that since it still has the same name, that she has decided not to change it.

      Delete
    2. 🌸 I think Charlitte’s choice maintains the casual vibe that is Meghan and yet respects Meghan’s new station in life. Succinctly and perfectly done.

      Delete
  47. DuchessofEastTennessee9527 May 2018 at 03:36

    COA and cipher are beautiful. Happy she has found her prince. Happy Harry has his special someone in his life.❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
  48. As a native Californian, I'm happy to see the coastline and the poppies! How I miss them in my present home. Meghan's coat of arms is beautiful. I love all the symbolism and care with which it was designed and created.

    I hope they are somewhere incognito having a wonderful time. I'm sure they are. And I'm sure the time will pass quickly and we will be seeing them a LOT . . . which will be great fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 🌸 Marci. :) When they were dating they would miraculously remain off the radar for the most part until they wanted to be photographed. It was exceptional. So. it can be done. :)
      I hope they accomplish that ability to be off radar when they want to from now on. That will serve them nicely. Much more healthful. πŸ˜‰

      Delete
    2. 🌸 Wherever Harry and Meghan go for their honeymoon their choice will be to optimize the possibilities. It will never be strictly business as usual for Harry and Meghan. They will be innovative making the most of all opportunities and privileges. The world is their oyster and that fact will not be lost on them. Just as Meghan has made inroads and put her signature on things so far, so will their private times and official itineraries reflect that going forward. Remember. During their dating Meghan had met all the “key” family members and had “been everywhere” as Harry said. Hey. Why not plan innovatively and so then optimally enjoy the ride? 😊

      Delete
    3. surfer girl: I like your ideas! I also have some cousins who are pretty wealthy, and they never go on a simple "vacation" but combine every trip they take with some humanitarian cause or other. I admire them to pieces. I think you are right about H & M.

      Delete
    4. 🌸 Marci. It will be fun to see how they do it. 😊
      When they went to that oldest pub place during
      their event itinerary, they took it a step further than just doing the regular normal Royal walk through. They had studied the pub’s menu and when they stepped on that property Harry said Hey we are hungry now. Can we eat? We studied the menu and already know what we want. lol
      They maximized the opportunity. πŸ˜‰
      And on New Years, they took the Rainiers up on their offer to spend New Years at the Palace in Monaco. πŸ˜‰ Hey. Why not?
      So they won’t be just “normal” Royal visits as usual, as seen through the eyes of those who have routinely done those things for years. But instead, Royal visits as seen through the eyes of a fresh newbie who sees travel and dining and assets on the itineraries as gifts to be opened, explored, maximized and optimally enjoyed. Fasten your seat belt Harry. πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  49. What a beautiful coat of arms and I love the significance of the songbird and the quills that echoes her passion for voices to be heard and her love of calligraphy. And I’m pretty relieved that this coat of arms has been directly given to Meghan and not those siblings. I love her monogram too. It’s beautiful to see all these now in place.

    (Why is part of me is expecting that dreadful half sister to get her own heraldry done now, just to spite her) Lol

    I hope the pair of them will settle down for a few weeks of rest/honeymoon and a chance to look back and take stock of everything. Looking forward to seeing them at the royal events of summer - Trooping the colour, Ascot and Wimbledon. πŸ‘πŸΌ
    I hope you get chance to have a break too Charlotte before the rest of the year kicks off again - you’ve done a fantastic job.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 🌸 If it isn’t cost prohibitive to her, Mr.D, I think she might apply for one. Will they give her one? πŸ˜‰

      Delete
    2. To get your own coat of arms, you have to apply and be approved. You have to submit a C.V. and it is expected that you will have done something notable or exceptionally charitible, or SOMETHING, and I cannot think that achieving notoriety qualifies . . . And the cost is more than 6,000 pounds sterling, which presently is more than $8,000 USD. I hope that is cost prohibitive for her!

      Delete
    3. 🌸 Thanks, Marci. I find all this info on obtaining a COA so cool. 😊

      Delete
  50. Meghan’s coat of arms is rather beautiful. The symbols are well thought of. Great piece of work.
    @everyone criticising the bird: heraldry is a field of science on its own in the historic sciences. There are rules for creating a coat of arms that still stand. Every little detail is full of symbolism that the untrained eye just cannot see or understand. The bird and the crown around the neck are perfekt and proper in every sense. Mainstream viewing preferences don’t play any part here.
    Emilia Wickstead surely didn’t do herself any favours. This article was really unnecessary. But the fit was criticised by a lot of people (me included). Still, the style has been around for centuries- which kind of dress wouldn’t have been similar to something already seen? It is ridiculous. Meghan’s dress was a gorgeous classic.
    C.

    ReplyDelete
  51. 🌸 More “Firsts” for the Royal Family. πŸ˜‰

    1. Meghan reportedly did give a speech at the wedding reception. A “First” for a Royal bride.

    2. Meghan read a 2 minute poem that she wrote in honor of Harry. A “First” for a royal bride. In the poem she apparently said it was “love at first sight” and that she is “blessed” to have found such a “profound love”.

    Other “Firsts”,

    3. Meghan at Sandringham for Christmas.
    4. Meghan releases her own statement from the Palace even before being married.
    5. Meghan walks herself down the aisle.
    6. Meghan designs and gets her own COA. (the only other person to get her own COA was the Duchess of Gloucester.)


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She helped work on the design I suspect that is not unusual.

      Delete
    2. Great post,surfer girl!!!
      And she is the first royal bride who had only her mother (from her family) at her wedding:)
      She is a pioneer for sure!

      Delete
    3. I am not sure I would call that being a pioneer, but just sad for her.

      Delete
    4. 🌸 I think you are right about that, ali. :)
      But. What she chose is bold. Declaring more or less that she will not be stifled. Significant when considered in light of the statement,
      “The pen is mightier than the sword”. πŸ˜‰

      Delete
    5. In the information on apply for your own coat of arms, it definitely said that they wanted the applicant's input on the design, but that the final design would be up to the College of Arms to express. Interestingly, the design you are granted is the Description of it, not the execution of it. It can be drawn using alternative styles depending on the illustrator, but the description has to be followed exactly.

      Delete
  52. I'm having hope that some royal lawyer contacted the half-sister and suggested that while freedom of speech is very important,, people can be sued for slander and the cost of obtaining a lawyer might eat into those profits she's been making from interviews. Unusual to not hear her cry of injustice now that a COA has actually been created for MM only. Hoping.

    The ore I see MM's COA, the more I like it. The images ares stylized as presented through history and we cannot apply meanings where there are none. The flowers are just lovely, and the idea of a songbird is very sweet!

    ReplyDelete
  53. 🌸 I have ancestors from England. πŸ’‘
    Me thinketh Surfer Girl is going to get a Coat of Arms.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eve from Germany28 May 2018 at 13:02

      And whom are you going to marry in order to get one? ;-)))))

      Delete
    2. Must be some princes still available!!

      Delete
    3. LOL! surfer girl, we want to see it when you do!

      Eve from Germany, the qualification for non-British citizens is that you can be descended from a subject of the British crown. For me, that would be my ancestors who arrived in North America in the 1630s. But then you also have to have done Something Notable in your own life or be a big contributor to notable charities or something. Sigh. Not me. Just your average achiever or contributor, that's me!

      Delete
    4. 🌸 Allison, lol. Yeh. There must be some Princes still available. 😍
      (Thanks for thinking of Prince status as suitable for Surfer Girl. (romantic sigh). I like that. Muchas Gracias.) πŸ˜‰

      Delete
    5. SG, well, you wouldn't want to marry down!

      Delete
    6. 🌸 lol. nope, Allison. Now that you mention it I guess that that just wouldn’t do would it. πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  54. 🌸 You have to be getting married to get one???😳
    hmmm.🧐
    πŸ’‘ On my way to Match.comUK right now, lol.πŸ˜‰

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BlaaaaaHaaaa! SG, I can always count on you to brighten my day!! :) xoxo

      Delete
    2. Pam from Boston29 May 2018 at 19:09

      Or how about https://www.datebritishguys.com/

      If I were single that's where I'd be.

      Delete
    3. Eve from Germany30 May 2018 at 14:51

      Surfer girl, what about our plans for H&M´s wedding? Where are those handsome Lords, Earls and such? ;-)))
      People in the UK said that I can´t be German, but must be British (because of my sense of humour), so I´m sure there must be some British ancestor running around somewhere in my family tree.... so maybe I´m qualifying, too? LOLOL!!

      Delete
  55. Pam from Boston29 May 2018 at 16:48

    I heard that Meghan and Harry will be going (or have gone already) to the Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta, Canada for their honeymoon. And perhaps will go to Mexico as well to visit Meghan's father.

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    1. oooooh How lovely! :) xo I love The Fairmont Properties. I just stayed at The Fairmont Downtown Vancouver, (which was opened in 1939 by GeorgeIV & Queen Elizabeth. It is qualified as a Grade? Castle & was where they stayed when they would visit B.C.) I had high tea in their Amazing BRF Tea Room! I just stayed there this past April/May during my most recent film shoot. It's wonderful, has a spa along with shops.... Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci etc in it's Lobby. I also made time to travel up to & stay at The Chateaux Fairmont in Whistler at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, which totally recharged my battery before I flew home. The drive up & back on The Sea & Skyway from Vancouver was sublime! The Ocean on one side & Mountains on the other! I can only imagine that H&M are having an amazing time at The Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta. I always take video of The Canadian Rockies as we fly over Calgary! I love the US Rockies.... but The Canadian Rockies take my breath away & really remind me of a combo of The US Rockies & The Alps. They are Extraordinary! :) xo

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  56. Posted most of this after the wrong post yesterday. Should be here.

    What is the white animal on Kate's coat of arms? it doesn't have a horn, so it isn't a unicorn. And what is that terribly fierce animal on Camilla's? It also appears on the section that represents her father's coat of arms. That beast is truly scary!

    Since Diana's parents were divorced, that isn't the criterion for giving a woman her own coat of arms, although Meghan's and Birgitte's parents also were divorced. More likely, the fathers did not meet the standards for receiving a British coat of arms, which of course the Earl Spencer already possessed. It does seem as though Thomas Markle possibly could have met those standards, however, given his ancestry and his award winning work in the film industry. Perhaps he was never interested in pursuing it.

    The coronets which appear on Harry and Meghan's coats of arms are said to represent the coronet Harry is entitled to as son of the heir to the throne. His coronet will change when he becomes son of the monarch. But will the coronets on their coats of arms then be redesigned to concur with his status?

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    1. Patricia I,
      Kate’s supporter is a hind, or a female deer. Camilla’s is a boar. Sophie has a wyvern. Also, yes, the coronets will change as their status changes.

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  57. Thank you, Anon23! I’ll now look up wyvem.

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  58. The wyvern is a blue dragon. Interesting that Sophie’s motto is in Welsh.

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  59. Yay, did you all see that the digital version of Meghan’s CoA has been released? I saw it on wiki. It looks computerized, just like Harry’s in the pic on this post. It’s absolutely beautiful!! The crown around the songbird’s neck looks less like it’s being choked and more like it’s wearing a necklace. A beautiful crown-shaped necklace :) A hi-res of her cipher is also now available in wiki. Exciting!!

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  60. very beautiful! thanks charlotte!

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  61. !!!!!Great news,it's official!!!!!
    New engagement for Meghan!!!!14 June: she will accompagny Her Majesty the Queen at Chester.
    They will officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge, at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Mersey Road,will officially open the Storyhouse Theatre and will attend a lunch at Chester Town Hall!!!!!

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