Princess Kate and Prince William quietly revealed they updated their Royal Coat of Arms this week.
A significant heraldic update emerged during Wednesday's Royal Variety Performance when the Prince and Princess of Wales's revised Conjugal Coat of Arms appeared publicly for the first time.
The emblem was featured in the event's official souvenir programme, where the Royal Variety Charity thanked the royal couple for their attendance.
This marks the initial public display of their updated heraldic identity, which has been redesigned for the first time in over a decade.
Princess Kate and Prince William at the Royal Variety Performance
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The appearance represents a rare glimpse of the couple's formal heraldic symbolism, which had remained unchanged since its original creation in 2013.
The most notable additions to the heraldic emblem include the traditional Prince of Wales's feathers, a symbol associated with the position since the 14th century.
A coronet befitting the Prince and Peers now appears alongside the feathers, whilst the German phrase "Ich Dien," meaning "I serve," is displayed on a ribbon beneath the design.
These elements reflect William's elevation to Prince of Wales, a title bestowed by King Charles during his first address as monarch following Queen Elizabeth's death in September 2022.
A page in the brochure from the 2025 Royal Variety Performance
|THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES
The heraldic update represents the couple's first formal acknowledgement of their new status through traditional royal symbolism.
The College of Arms in London created the original conjugal arms, which received royal approval before being revealed in September 2013, two years following the royal wedding in April 2011.
At the time of its initial unveiling, officials stated that whilst the conjugal arms would remain permanently associated with the couple, certain decorative elements surrounding the shields might be modified as their positions and responsibilities within the monarchy changed.
This provision for future alterations has now been realised, with the heraldic emblem evolving to reflect Prince William's succession to his father's former title and the couple's elevated status within the royal hierarchy.
Kate and William's previous Coat of Arms which was unveiled in 2013
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Prince William and Princess Kate pictured alongside Paddington Bear | ANDREW PARSONS / KENSINGTON PALACEThe conjugal arms display the individual shields of both royals positioned alongside each other, supported by the traditional lion and unicorn.
William's shield incorporates the three lions representing England, Scotland's lion, and Ireland's harp, encircled by a blue band bearing the Latin inscription "Honi soit qui mal y pense," which translates to "Shame on him who thinks evil of it."
Princess Kate's shield showcases her family's heraldic design, featuring blue and red colours enhanced with golden chevrons and crosses, along with three oak sprigs symbolising the three Middleton siblings and their childhood surroundings.
The overall composition maintains traditional royal heraldic conventions whilst incorporating personal family elements.