Kate Middleton will drop her maiden surname come April 29 — but that doesn't mean she'll forget her roots.
She and and her family — parents Michael and Carole Middleton plus siblings Phillippa (Pippa) and James — have a brand-new, custom-designed coat of arms, it was announced Tuesday.
As designed by Mr. Thomas Woodcock (Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald in England) with the help of the entire family, the crest features three acorns (signifying the three children and the heavily wooded West Berkshire, England area they call home) and three chevrons (a golden chevron at center alludes to Mrs. Middleton's maiden name, Goldsmith; two smaller chevrons at the sides symbolize the brood's love of the outdoors).
"Mr. and Mrs. Middleton and their children took enormous interest in this design and, while its purpose is to provide a traditional heraldic identity for Catherine, as she marries into the Royal Family, the intent was to represent the whole Middleton family together, their home and aspects of what they enjoy," designer Woodcock explained of the age-old tradition in a statement.
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After she weds Prince William, Kate, 29, "will place her father's Arms beside those of her husband in what is known as an impaled Coat of Arms. This will require a Royal Warrant from The Queen," Woodcock explained.
For more on the Royal Wedding, including rare photos, interviews with family and friends, details on Kate's new life as a princess and a tour of their lavish homes, order a copy of Us Weekly's Will & Kate: The Royal Wedding now.
