Kate Middleton's engagement ring holds a significance that extends far beyond its exquisite beauty. Adorning her finger since the announcement of her engagement to Prince William in 2010, this iconic piece of jewellery has a rich and captivating history. The ring, a striking sapphire surrounded by diamonds, once belonged to the late Princess Diana, making it a poignant symbol of love, legacy, and continuity within the British royal family.
This article delves into the fascinating journey of Kate Middleton's engagement ring, exploring its origins, design, and the emotions it evokes. From its creation by the esteemed jewellers at Garrard & Co. to its selection by Prince William as a token of remembrance for his beloved mother, the ring weaves a tale of deep affection and profound significance. With its striking blue hue and timeless elegance, the ring has become an enduring symbol of love and devotion, captivating the hearts of admirers worldwide.
Join us as we unravel the story behind this iconic piece of jewellery, tracing its path from past to present and discovering the enduring legacy it holds within the royal family.
Diana’s Ring
This stunning ring selected by princess Diana features an eye watering 12-carat oval cut natural blue sapphire from Sri Lanka. This incredible sapphire is framed by 14 round cut diamonds and the setting was 18-karat white gold.
Despite the beauty of this ring, there was a little bit of controversy when the ring was originally selected by Diana. It was custom at the time for royals to opt for a bespoke piece of jewellery but this iconic ring was actually featured in the Garrard’s catalogue - a royal jeweller, with some even claiming she picked the ring because it had the largest centre stone available however this is just speculation. The ring was designed by David Thomas, the head of Garrard's jewellery design department at the time.
This incredible ring cost £28,500 at its time of purchase in 1881. Which is estimated to be over £300,000 in today's economy.
Diana loved the ring so much that she wore it on her wedding day in 1981. She also wore it on many other occasions throughout her life. With many accounts of her wearing the ring even after her separation from King Charles (formally Prince).
Williams proposal to kate
After Diana's death in 1997, the ring was inherited by her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Harry was the legal owner of the ring, but he gave it to William to use when he proposed to Kate Middleton.
Prince William's proposal to Kate Middleton was a moment of enchantment that captivated the world's attention. With the breathtaking backdrop of Kenya's Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the scene was set for a romantic gesture that would forever cement their love story in history. As they strolled hand in hand under a starlit sky, the prince dropped to one knee, presenting Kate with a stunning sapphire and diamond ring that once belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana. The proposal was a blend of tradition and modernity, symbolising the couple's commitment to each other while honouring their shared legacy.
The proposal was not only a celebration of their love but also a testament to their compatibility and shared values. The couple's deep-rooted friendship, nurtured over years of companionship, had blossomed into a profound love that would soon unite two families and captivate the hearts of millions around the globe.
Since their wedding, Kate has worn the ring on many occasions. She has also worn it during her pregnancies.
The ring has become a symbol of Kate's love for William and her place in the royal family. It is also a reminder of Princess Diana, who is still loved and admired by many people around the world.
FAQs
The History of Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring
What is the history of the ring of Kate Middleton? ›
After Diana's death in 1997, the ring was inherited by her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Harry was the legal owner of the ring, but he gave it to William to use when he proposed to Kate Middleton. Prince William's proposal to Kate Middleton was a moment of enchantment that captivated the world's attention.
What ring did Prince Charles give to Camilla? ›
The monarch, who had previously been married to Princess Diana from 1981 to 1996, gave his second wife a gleaming art deco style ring which their engagement announcement revealed was a "royal family heirloom." It has since been revealed that it belonged to his beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother, who was spotted ...
Why does Prince William not wear a ring? ›
A palace insider told The Mirror at the time, "He's not one for jewelry. He's never worn any. He decided he didn't want to wear one now. It's all down to personal preference."In 2018, royal expert Eloise Parker told Marie Claire that many men in the royal family go without them.
What ring did Dodi give Diana? ›
Per the 2007 inquest into Diana's death, a ring bearing the inscription “dis-moi oui” (“tell me yes”) was recovered from Fayed's Parisian flat after his death, as well as a receipt, which listed the purchase of a £11,600 (US$14,450) bague de fiançaille (engagement ring) on August 30, 1997, The Guardian reports.
Did Kate change Diana's ring? ›
Why did Kate Middleton change Lady Diana's engagement ring before the wedding? The Princess of Wales Catherine never changed Lady Diana's Engagement Ring. Catherine had to get two Small Ball put inside the Engagement Ring.
What ring did Meghan Markle get from Diana? ›
Meghan wore Princess Diana's aquamarine ring on her right hand, which was visible while she waved at photographers as she and Harry drove to their evening wedding reception. Diana famously wore the emerald-cut aquamarine stunner to an auction of her own clothes at Christie's in 1997.
What happened to the Queen Mother's engagement ring? ›
The Duke of York proposed to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later known as the Queen Mother) with a sapphire ring flanked by diamonds and presented on a Welsh gold wedding band. She would later swap out the engagement ring for a singular pearl surrounded by tiny diamond accents.
Whose ring did William give Kate? ›
Did William give Kate Middleton's engagement ring to her as a gift, or did he buy it for her? It was his mothers, it was Diana's engagement ring from Charles. William didn't buy it for her.
Why does Kate wear three rings? ›
The duch*ess of Cambridge usually wears the third ring with her engagement ring and wedding band. It is Annoushka Eclipse Diamond Eternity Ring.
The ring features a three-stone design, symbolising the past, present, and future. The centre stone is a dazzling cushion-cut diamond sourced from Botswana, a country that holds special significance for Prince Harry and was the location of a pivotal point in Megan and Harry's courting period.
Why does Prince William wear two watches? ›
The real reason so far no one knows, but sources close to William and the royal family point out that there may be two reasons for this. The first is that the Omega he wears for sentimental reasons, and the other is that the second royal is a watch that marks and tracks physical activity.
Did Diana want to marry Dodi? ›
Two recalled Diana dismissing tabloid claims that she and Dodi would soon be engaged, both times saying, “I need another marriage like I need a rash on my face.” She told several of them she was having a fun summer but looked forward to getting back to London, to work and to her children.
Did Dodi really propose to Diana the night they died? ›
Despite these findings, it has not been proven that Fayed actually got the chance to propose or that, even if he had, Diana would have accepted. People close to the late Princess of Wales would later refute tales of an engagement.
What was Diana wearing the night she dies? ›
An Armani jacket, broken pearls and a dented earring: The clothes and jewellery Diana wore on the night she died. Details of the clothing and jewellery Diana was wearing at the time of her fatal car crash in Paris were disclosed yesterday at the inquest into her death.
How much is Kate Middleton's ring worth? ›
Kate Middleton's engagement ring is now considered to be priceless due to its extensive history. However, when Prince Charles proposed to Diana in 1981, its value was $37,500. What style is Kate Middleton's engagement ring? Kate's engagement ring is an oval Ceylon sapphire ring set in 18-karat white gold.
Does Kate Middleton wear her engagement ring all the time? ›
Kate does not always wear her engagement ring, the iconic diamond and sapphire heirloom, which once belonged to Princess Diana. She often removes it during engagements involving physical activity or sports, like in 2022, when she took part in a sailing race with team Great Britain.
When did Kate Middleton get her eternity ring? ›
Traditionally, eternity rings are given by a spouse to commemorate a special milestone, like a significant wedding anniversary or the birth of a baby. It looks like Kate received the ring for the latter in this case; she added the eternity ring to her jewellery collection in 2013, following the birth of Prince George.
