Prince William famously popped the question to Kate Middleton with Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, now inseparable from the Princess of Wales’ hand.
Over the years, she’s stacked it with Welsh gold and diamond bands, creating a glittering nod to both legacy and modern flair.
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales has never donned a wedding band, a choice echoed by many upper class men, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold.
“It’s not unusual for men in the upper classes to decide against wedding rings,” he explains, pointing out that even the late Prince Philip went ring free.
Interestingly, King Charles does wear a band just cleverly hidden beneath his signature gold pinky ring, engraved with the Prince of Wales crest.
That pinky ring, a longtime staple, was inherited from Charles’ uncle, the Duke of Windsor, and recent sightings suggest the monarch may have subtly updated the piece.
Rumour has it the original ring could even have been passed down to William, the current Prince of Wales, keeping royal jewelry and tradition glimmering through the generations.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold reveals that all royal brides are required to wear rings, and they all share one special feature Welsh gold.
“It’s a lovely way of connecting the generations and is something that’s very special to them,” he notes.
The use of Welsh gold dates back over a century, starting in 1923 when the Queen Mother received hers, and it’s since become a hallmark of royal bridal bling.
Princesses, queens, and duchesses alike have kept the tradition sparkling.
Kate Middleton’s 12 carat oval blue sapphire, encircled by 14 diamonds in white gold, is a nod to history and glamour.
Meghan Markle’s engagement ring, crafted by Prince Harry, features a central diamond from Botswana flanked by two smaller stones from Diana’s collection, blending personal meaning with royal legacy.
Even the late Queen Elizabeth had a sentimental 3-carat diamond, sourced from her mother’s tiara and set by Prince Philip, cementing a tradition that’s as much about family heritage as it is about sparkle.
