Kate Middleton's family 'awarded their own coat of arms'

London, April 20 (ANI): Kate Middleton's family has received their own coat of arms just few days ahead of the royal wedding.

Although the royal bride-to-be was entitled to apply for a heraldic design in her own right, it was her father, Michael, who actually entered the petition, reports the Daily Mail.

This gives his entire family - including his other children, Pippa and James, as well as wife Carole - the right to use the emblem.

Garter Principal King of Arms and Senior Herald in England, Thomas Woodcock unveiled the new Coat of Arms for Middleton's family.

The design is simple, with three leafy acorns representing each of the couple's three children - an idea suggested by Middleton herself.

Acorns were chosen for the analogy that they grow into great oaks. Oak is also a symbol of England and strength, and West Berkshire, where the children were brought up, has many oak trees.

Most eye-catching is the gold chevron in the centre of the design representing her mom at the heart of her family. The colour is a reference to her maiden name, Goldsmith.

The two thin white chevronels on either side allude to mountains and the family's love of skiing and outdoor pursuits.

The background colours of red and blue were chosen as they are the principle colours from the flag of the United Kingdom and match Prince William's recently revised coat of arms.

Thomas Woodcock, the College of Arms Garter Principal King of Arms and Senior Herald, sat down with Middleton's parents to create the design, which cost 4,400 pounds, shortly after Christmas. (ANI)