In a move so subtle many royal-watchers almost missed it, Prince William and Princess Catherine have quietly unveiled a refreshed version of their Conjugal Coat of Arms — the heraldic emblem that represents them as a married couple.
The updated design made its first public appearance in the program for this year’s Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, surprising even long-time observers of the Waleses.
William and Catherine were granted their original shared Coat of Arms in 2013, two years after their wedding. But with King Charles naming his eldest son the Prince of Wales in his first speech as monarch in 2022, their emblem has now been updated to reflect their elevated roles.
The new design weaves in the historic symbols of the Prince of Wales, including the distinctive trio of feathers that have been associated with the title since the 14th century, the traditional coronet, and the motto “Ich Dien” (“I serve”). The familiar lion still sits on top of the shield, but now wears a coronet and is framed by a plume of feathers, giving the emblem a more regal finish.
Their original Coat of Arms combined William’s shield, featuring symbols of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with Catherine’s, which drew on the Middleton family’s own heraldic imagery, including acorns representing strength and growth. Both shields were supported by the traditional lion and unicorn.
Heraldic experts note that while the couple’s shared Coat of Arms is designed to last throughout their marriage, elements surrounding it can evolve as their royal duties and titles change — exactly what we’re seeing now as William and Catherine continue to step more prominently onto the world stage as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
