Kate and William reveal their updated Coat of Arms, see what’s changed

Princess Kate and Prince William quietly gave their Royal Coat of Arms a subtle makeover this week, making its first public debut at Wednesday’s Royal Variety Performance. 

The refreshed emblem appeared in the official souvenir programme, where the Royal Variety Charity thanked the couple for attending and royal fans immediately spotted the heraldic update.

It’s the first redesign of their Conjugal Coat of Arms in over a decade. The traditional Prince of Wales’s feathers, a coronet befitting the Prince and his Peers, and the German motto “Ich Dien” meaning “I serve” displayed on a ribbon beneath the emblem.

The changes reflect William’s formal elevation to Prince of Wales, a title bestowed by King Charles during his first address as monarch following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022.

Originally it was crafted by the College of Arms and unveiled in September 2013, two years after their wedding, the couple’s heraldic emblem was always intended to evolve as their roles within the monarchy changed.

His shield proudly displays the three lions of England, Scotland’s lion, and Ireland’s harp, all encircled by a blue band bearing the Latin motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” which means “Shame on him who thinks evil of it.”

Kate’s shield, meanwhile, highlights her family heritage, blue and red colours, golden chevrons and crosses, and three oak sprigs symbolising the Middleton siblings and their childhood roots.