logo

Kate Middleton's wedding ring doesn’t meet all the royal standards

Cheryl Kahla
By Cheryl Kahla
Aug 20, 2018
08:39 P.M.

When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton back in 2010, he gave her the late Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring.

Advertisement

The Duchess of Cambridge has proudly worn the ring since then, despite the controversy that surrounds it when Prince Charles first proposed to Diana back in 1981.

Read more about the royal family on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa, and scroll down to learn about the history of Kate's ring.

The ring has a large Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 12 solitaire diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, and Princess Diana picked the ring herself.

Source: Getty Images

Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

It cost approximately $60,000 and the jeweler, Garrard, was inspired by a royal brooch that dates back to the mid-1800's.

Despite its price and link to royalty, many members of the royal family looked down at it for one simple reason: It wasn't one-of-a-kind.

The ring was featured in the jeweler's catalog and members of the public could purchase a similar ring if they had $60,000 lying around.

Source: Getty Images

Source: Getty Images

Most pieces of jewelry worn by members of the royal family are custom-designed to ensure that only one of each piece exists.

Advertisement

After Diana's death, her jewelry collection went to her sons, for them to give to their wives in due course. Both sons have incorporated it into their proposals.

Prince Wiliam had the sapphire ring adjusted to fit Kate and carried it around for three weeks in his backpack before asking the big question.

Advertisement

He proposed while the couple was on holiday in Kenya, and Prince Harry proposed to Meghan during a private dinner at Kensington Palace.

Source: Getty Images

Source: Getty Images

He used diamonds from his mother's collection for Meghan's ring, which he designed himself. They also included a diamond from Botswana.

Read more about the jewelry pieces Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, wore on her wedding day. She exchanged vows with Prince Harry back in May.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Princess of Wales Channels Princess Diana in Catherine Walker Coatdress at Trooping The Colour Ceremony — Photos

June 13, 2026

Prince William and Princess Kate Share Special Post for Their 15th Anniversary – Photos

April 29, 2026

Prince William and Princess Catherine Make Easter Appearance with Their Children After a 2-Year Pause – Photos

April 06, 2026

Meghan Markle's Candles Honouring Her Children Archie and Lilibet Spark Buzz over Their Price and More – Photos

April 27, 2026

Meghan Markle, 44, Sparks Buzz in Green Dress as She Steps Out for Stylish Date Night at Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos' Private Montecito Party — Photo

April 15, 2026

Three Times Prince William, 43, Broke Royal Protocol, Sparking Fans' Reactions — Video

April 09, 2026

Meghan Markle, 44, Gets Unexpected Gifts During Appearance in Video with Australian YouTubers

May 06, 2026

Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 44, Receive Superstar Welcome on Visit to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital — Photos

April 14, 2026

Prince Archie Celebrates 7th Birthday – Here Are a Few Times He Was Seen in Public

May 07, 2026

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, Ignited Buzz by Skipping Easter Service at Windsor While Prince Edward and Son James, 18, Attended – Photos and Details

April 06, 2026

Meghan Markle's Silk Gown Sparks Pregnancy Rumors at Star-Studded Party – Photos

April 15, 2026