William's touching tribute to Princess Diana in his Knight of the Garter crest

Prince William’s Knight of the Garter crest has been revealed for the first time - complete with a touching tribute to his late mother.

For the first time in Royal history the identifying symbol on the crest has incorporated the mother’s family logo.

It is understood both William and Harry requested the simple symbol of a scallop shell to feature on both their crests and Coat of Arms.

The scallop is the symbol for the Spencer family Coat of Arms and was Princess Diana’s as well.

William’s crest, which features a gold lion stood on a crown, will now be mounted above his seat at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The second-in-line to the throne was last month installed as a Knight of the Garter, the world’s oldest surviving order of chivalry.

The crest was made by sculptor Ian Brennan, from Warsash, near Southampton, Hants, out of lime wood and gold.

He said: ‘The garter crests have been made out of lime wood for 600 years.

‘In medieval times they were worn on top of knight’s helmets in battle and lime wood was used because it was light, very strong and durable.

‘There are several layers of 24 carrot gold leaf and they are designed to last 1,000 years.

Crest: Prince William's emblem, which will sit above his place in St Georges chapel, Windsor, has the special addition of a white label with a red scallop

‘Prince William’s crest has a bit of his mother’s family crest and he requested that be put on it.

‘The design of the Royal crests go way back and they are the same, although each one is unique to the person.

‘Prince Andrew’s symbol is as an anchor and Prince Edward’s crest has a tudor rose.’

Peter Gwynn-Jones, garter principal King of Arms at the College of Arms, said: ‘It is a welcome innovation to incorporate maternal symbols into the Royal Family’s arms and it is something that Prince William and his family wanted to do.

‘In the fullness of time, Prince William’s Arms will change as the Prince of Wales’ shall, but a precedent has been set here that others in the Royal Family may well follow.

‘Three escallops were added to the ancient Despencer arms when they were adopted by the Spencer family, in the latter part of 16th century.’

The three scallop shells on the Spencer family’s Coat of Arms are in white but it is thought the shell on Prince William’s is red to make it stand out on the white band around the lion’s neck.

Remembered: Diana's Spencer crest with three scallop shells

It is thought the Spencer family adopted the scallop shell symbol as they were worn by pilgrims to the shrine of St James of Compstella in Santiago during the 12th century.

Prince William’s crest has just been completed and is due to be given Royal approval in the next few weeks before it is mounted above his seat at St George’s Chapel.

He is the 1,000 Knight of the Garter since the order was established by Edward III in 1348.

His appointment as Garter Knight was announced on St George’s Day this year but the formal installation was held last month.