Kate Middleton’s Wedding Ring Dwarfs Meghan Markle’s $157,000 Wedding Dress
Without a doubt, Meghan Markle’s stunning $157,000 wedding gown has already influenced high-end bridal collections and fast-fashion labels. But Kate Middleton was another trendsetter before Markle had a significant impact on the fashion world.
At Markle’s sister-in-law’s 2011 royal wedding to Prince William, the ring she wore on her engagement had a fascinating past because Princess Diana had worn it before.
While Markle’s wedding dress was absolutely stunning and worth the hype, it’s the accessory Kate Middleton wore and continues to wear today, that will always hold a special place in our hearts. Yes, it’s her engagement ring.
For many people, it seems like yesterday that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced their engagement and displayed Princess Diana’s sapphire ring on Catherine’s hand.
Let’s learn everything there is to know about this stunning royal ornament with historical significance. How much did it cost, and why didn’t Markle wear something as valuable as that?
The History of Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring
The royal piece of jewelry that symbolizes Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s union has historical roots that go back several centuries.
Princess Diana, the late mother of Prince William, was the owner of this famous ring. It was her engagement ring, a non-conventional design. She wasn’t known for adhering to rigid traditions, after all.
According to Vogue magazine, the ring made its debut in 1840. This astounding sapphire and diamond brooch appears to have been created for Queen Victoria by British jeweler, Garrard, on the orders of Prince Albert. It was a unique wedding present and the piece was adored by the woman who would eventually become his wife.
Queen Victoria wore the brooch on her wedding day as she loved it so much. She reportedly adored the jewel so much that she wore it until Prince Albert died in 1861, according to Sara Prentice, creative director of Vogue.
Prince Albert’s wedding present to Queen Victoria was still a part of the royal collection several centuries later. Queen Elizabeth wore the jewel to the Royal Ascot in 2015 and on a number of other occasions. Prince Charles then arrived, looking for a ring for his future wife, Lady Diana. He created a sapphire cluster ring using the brooch his mother had worn as inspiration.
When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton, he was then given the ring that Prince Charles’ jeweler had created.
Why Meghan Markle Hasn’t Received That Iconic Ring?
Before he proposed to his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton, Prince William traveled to Kenya with Princess Diana’s striking blue engagement ring. But did you know that the Duchess of Cambridge wasn’t always intended to wear the ring?
When the couple announced their engagement on November 16, 2010, Middleton wore a matching blue dress and displayed the sentimental sapphire and diamond ring. During their interview with Tom Bradby after their engagement, Prince William talked about his choice of ring.
“It is very special to me and Kate is very special to me now as well. It is only right the two are put together. It is my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today.”
Prince William and Prince Harry received some special jewelry from their late mother after the Princess of Wales passed away. Prince Harry selected the iconic ring, so it’s possible that he may have given it to his now-wife, Meghan Markle.
However, it is widely believed that the Duke of Sussex decided to give the ring to his elder brother for the proposal when Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s relationship got serious.
Consequently, it turns out that Meghan Markle could have been the fortunate person to wear Princess Diana’s famous ring, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Also Read: Meghan Markle Joining US Politics? Tax Docs Reveal $100K Payment To The Obamas’ Former PR Expert
Source- ELLE; Hello Magazine
