Disturbing detail in Meghan's coat of arms
The coat of arms Meghan Markle was gifted on her wedding day is filled with personal significance.
Plenty of sweet details linking back to Meghan’s childhood home of California are entangled among references to Kensington Palace.
Plus, the three quills are said to represent the Duchess of Sussex’ love of “communication and the power of words.”
But keen observers have noticed something a little disturbing on one of the main figures.
A Coat of Arms has been created for The Duchess of Sussex: https://t.co/mJb3mqZfaZ pic.twitter.com/0EgbiS29Rb
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 25, 2018
Flanking either side of the shield is a crowned animal, known as a ‘supporter’, with a lion symbolising Prince Harry on the left, and a songbird representing Meghan on the right.
But the position of the crown around the collar of the songbird’s neck, as opposed to on top of its head, makes it look like its being choked or strangled.
While as the wife of Prince Harry, Meghan now has the biggest possible platform to affect change – something she has specifically said she wants to do – the fact that royals are not allowed to express political opinions will really change the way she goes about that goal.
I am afraid to say what the crown around the bird neck means. Is it possible that the crown around the bird neck equates to strangulation. If that is the case the bird will not be able to communicate, having a sense of self, but slow death. Not natural death!
— Deborah Lao (@Daffodils45) May 26, 2018
That bird looks distressed! Why is the crown around it’s neck?
— Andrew C (@matrix_dread) May 25, 2018
But as sinister as the choking crown seems, it’s actually traditional for a royal bride to be represented in this way.
In the coat of arms given to Kate Middleton and Princess Diana’s families, both ladies were depicted in the same way.
The answer: “In English heraldry, is standard to put the crown around the neck of a supporter (term for the side animals) in the coat of arms of someone given the rank of duke or duchess.”
— Wendy Harmer (@wendy_harmer) May 26, 2018
Coat of Arms
1. Diana, princess of Wales
2. Diana, princess of Wales (post-divorce)
3. Catherine, #DuchessOfCambridge
4. Meghan, #DuchessOfSussexSo no, the songbird isn’t getting choked. It’s her a representation of her status as Duchess & not a royal by birth. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/IeUzJllMHq
— Truth hurts (@Jasamgurlie) May 25, 2018
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