Why Prince Harry's wedding ring is different to other royal mens' (2024)
This is lovely.
Prince Harry's wedding ring is just another example of how the royal makes his own rules, in a good way. You see his ring differs to other royal men's in several subtle but meaningful ways.
First off, he's opted for a brushed platinum ring, a modern band that is simple and has a slight matte finish to it. This is a bit of a departure from royal tradition, as both brides and grooms usually opt for wedding rings made from Welsh gold.
This tradition reportedly started with the Queen's parents, and since then most royals have had bands made from the same nugget of gold from the Clogau St. David Gold Mine, Dolgellau, Wales.
Another reason Prince Harry's wedding ring differs from other royal men's, is that he actually wears one. Indeed, Prince William doesn't wear a wedding ring, and neither does Prince Charles, who prefers to wear a signet ring on his pinky finger.
A palace aide at the time said of William, 'He’s not one for jewellery. He’s never worn any. He decided he didn’t want to wear one now. It’s all down to personal preference.'
And when you look at pictures of his brother Harry, you do notice he is often fiddling with his ring, a sign perhaps that he isn't quite used to the band sitting there.
It's thought he wanted to break with this tradition as a show of support and love to his wife, Meghan Markle, which we have to admit is very romantic indeed.
The Prince is partial to a bit of jewellery, always wearing his favourite bracelet, which he's been photographed wearing as far back as 2001.
Though it hasn't been confirmed, it's thought he either bought it or received it as a gift during a trip to Africa with his brother and father, shortly after he lost his mother, Princess Diana.
"There is no royal tradition for men wearing or not wearing a wedding ring," British and European royalty expert Marlene Koenig previously told Town & Country.
"I've been saying she took the wedding ring off to slowly change the size of the diamond. It wasn't big enough for her," another person claimed. One royal fan proposed that Meghan "probably got an upgrade after another anniversary," adding that her sparkler "does look bigger."
"Although it's traditional for royal women to wear both an engagement ring and a wedding ring after they get married, it's never been traditional for royal men to wear one," she explained. "That's why Prince Philip and Prince William don't wear them.
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.
The use of the left-hand pinky finger as the wedding ring and royal signet or initial ring of the British Royal Family is an ironclad tradition dating back to the sons of Queen Victoria, who favored pinky rings in imitation of their mother as well as following German custom.
The Romans, who introduced the world to the principle of marriage proposals, believed that the left hand was untrustworthy and unholy. Therefore, they used to wear their wedding rings on their right hand. The right hand is a symbol of trust, loyalty, and honor.
According to the blog He Spoke Style, the signet ring is traditionally worn on the pinky finger of the non-dominant hand. King Charles stacks his signet ring with his wedding band, which is otherwise supposed to be worn on the ring finger.
The ring showcases as its centerpiece a 12 carat oval Ceylon sapphire in a rare and highly coveted deep, royal blue hue. Surrounding the sapphire is a large halo of 14 round cut diamonds. All stones are set on a polished and shining 18K white gold band.
Body language expert Darren Stanton shed light on the sitch and told The Sun that it simply comes down to royal protocol, especially given William's position as next in line to the throne. "Kate and William play a very important role in the Royal family now as the Prince and Princess of Wales," Stanton explains.
As for why the Prince of Wales often wears two watches, fans speculate that the reason behind the move is pretty practical – one watch is a timeless, sentimental piece, whereas the other is a fitness tracker.
He decided he didn't want to wear one now. It's all down to personal preference." Much like his grandson, the late Prince Phillip also opted not to wear a ring during his 73-year-long marriage to The Queen. On the other hand, Prince Harry was happy to wear a ring - but wanted to make sure it was the right one for him.
Male wedding rings took off in the UK and other English-speaking countries only during (and because of) the First and Second World Wars. The men away on military duty started wearing rings to remind them of their wife at home.
For some, rings carry little meaning while for others they are indispensable. Between professional concerns, lifestyle priorities, financial limitations and simple personal preference, men may have deeply considered reasons for not wearing a ring while still cherishing their marriage.
Selecting a few of the monarch's favorite necklaces and bracelets, however, is very different than inheriting her prized engagement ring, which she wore constantly throughout her life; she was buried with her Welsh gold wedding band, an another accessory she never took off.
Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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