Prince William’s fiancée Kate Middleton has acquired a coat of arms. Her father Michael Middleton has been granted a coat of arms for the use of his family, the Clarence House announced on Tuesday.
The Middleton family worked closely with the College of Arms in London to create a coat of arms personal to them and visually identified them as a family. The design of the arms was agreed and approved by garter king of arms and senior herald in England Thomas Woodcock, who is based at the College of Arms in London.
In the UK, coats of arms are granted under the sovereign’s authority. Three kings of arms have the authority to grant the coats of arms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, coats of arms are granted by Lord Lyon king of arms.
All the applicants for a coat of arms have to submit a request to Earl Marshal. In England, it is the Duke of Norfolk, who then issues a warrant to the kings of arms agreeing to the granting of new arms.
The coat of arms has three acorns, chosen the Middleton children — Catherine, Philippa and James — were brought up in West Berkshire, England, which is surrounded by oak trees. Additionally, oak is a long-established symbol of both England and strength.