The Middleton coat of arms

The College of Arms on April 19 unveiled a coat of arms for the family of Catherine Middleton. The arms will be granted as a shield to Catherine's father Michael.

"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," said Thomas Woodcock, Garter Principal King of Arms, in a statement.

"Every Coat of Arms has been designed to identify a person, school or organisation, and to last forever: heraldry is Europe's oldest, most visual and strictly regulated form of identity and it surrounds us in Britain, giving clues to our history and surroundings."

Hover over thehotspots on thecoat of armsbelow for more information on the design elements.