George Boyle
Prince William has never worn a wedding ring, despite his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince Harry, wearing theirs. In 2011, St. James' Palace announced that William would not be given a ring during his wedding ceremony to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. A source told the Mirror that William's decision was due to his preference and that he was not one for jewelry. Royal commentator Eloise Parker added context, stating that it has never been traditional for royal men to wear wedding rings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wears a wedding ring | No |
| Reason for not wearing a wedding ring | Not a fan of jewelry, personal preference |
| Royal commentator Eloise Parker's view | "It's never been traditional for royal men to wear a wedding ring" |
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What You'll Learn
Prince William has never worn a wedding ring
A source speaking to the Mirror explained that the decision came down to William's personal preference and style: "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."
Royal commentator Eloise Parker provided further context, explaining that while it is traditional for royal women to wear both an engagement ring and a wedding ring, it has never been traditional for royal men to wear one. She added, "That’s why Prince Philip and Prince William don’t wear them. I think when you have a wedding watched by millions, everyone knows you're married."
Prince William's choice not to wear a wedding ring should not be seen as an indication of trouble in his marriage, as some have speculated. Instead, it is consistent with his general preference for not wearing jewellery.
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It is not traditional for royal men to wear wedding rings
It has been observed that Prince William does not wear a wedding ring, and he never has. When he married Kate Middleton in 2011, it was announced that he would not be given a ring during the ceremony. This sparked conversation and speculation around his marriage. However, the reason for his decision is simply a matter of personal preference and style. According to a source speaking to the Mirror, "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."
This preference for not wearing jewellery is unique to Prince William, as his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince Harry, both wear wedding bands. Royal commentator Eloise Parker noted that while it is customary for royal women to wear both engagement and wedding rings, it is not traditional for royal men to wear any rings. She added, "That's why Prince Philip and Prince William don't wear them. I think when you have a wedding watched by millions, everyone knows you're married."
Prince William's choice to forgo a wedding band is, therefore, a reflection of his individual style and preference for not wearing jewellery. It is important to note that his decision does not carry any negative implications about his marriage or commitment. Instead, it highlights the evolving nature of traditions within the royal family, where personal choices are given significance.
While Prince William has chosen not to wear a wedding ring, he values sentimentality in other ways. Notably, he proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother Princess Diana's iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This choice was a heartfelt way to include his mother in the celebration and keep her memory close.
In summary, Prince William's decision to forgo a wedding ring is a reflection of his personal style and preference for not wearing jewellery. It does not indicate any issues within his marriage but rather showcases his individuality within the royal family. His choice also draws attention to the evolving nature of traditions, where personal preferences are respected and celebrated.
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Prince William's preference is not to wear jewellery
Prince William has never worn a wedding ring, and a source told the Mirror at the time of his wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011 that this was because he is "not one for jewellery". The source continued, "He's never worn any. He decided he didn't want to wear one now. It's all down to personal preference."
William's father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince Harry, both wear wedding bands. Harry dons a platinum wedding band with a textured finish made from Welsh gold. Harry and Meghan's rings were crafted by London's Cleave & Company, along with Meghan's engagement ring, a three-diamond band that Harry designed.
The royal family has made many rings using Welsh gold since the Queen Mother's wedding in 1923. Meghan Markle's ring was made from Welsh gold gifted by Queen Elizabeth II. Harry and William's mother, Princess Diana, also had a Welsh gold wedding band.
However, it is not traditional for royal men to wear wedding rings. Royal commentator Eloise Parker told Marie Claire in 2018: "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. That's why Prince Philip and Prince William don't wear them. I think when you have a wedding watched by millions, everyone knows you're married."
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Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton
Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton's wedding took place on Friday, 29 April 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London, England. The couple had been in a relationship since 2003 and first met in 2001 while studying at the University of St Andrews.
The ceremony was attended by the bride's and groom's families, foreign royal families, diplomats, and the couple's chosen personal guests. Notably, the couple invited at least six of their former flames, puzzling many onlookers. However, it was not just William who invited his exes to the wedding—Kate did the same. This was in keeping with tradition, as falling out with exes who run in the same social circles as the royal family can lead to social suicide.
The wedding was a grand affair, with the bride donning a £250,000 gown by Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton, which included a lace bodice hand-stitched by the world's best seamstresses at the Royal School of Needlework. Catherine's stylists "backcombed the top [of her hair] to create a foundation for the tiara to sit around, then did a tiny plait in the middle and sewed it on." This was done to prevent the tiara from falling off, as had happened to Lady Diana Spencer during her wedding to Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981.
The couple's wedding bands were also steeped in tradition and sentimentality. Kate's wedding band was crafted from Welsh gold that had been presented to Queen Elizabeth and stored in the royal vaults. The Queen gave a piece of this gold to Prince William as a gift, and he commissioned the Bristol jewelry company Wartski to create Kate's ring. Notably, Prince William chose not to wear a wedding band, a decision that has been attributed to his personal preference for not wearing jewellery and the fact that it is not traditional for royal men to wear wedding rings.
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Kate Middleton's wedding ring
Kate's engagement ring is a sapphire and diamond band that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. The ring is considered to be one of the most well-known and influential pieces of jewellery of all time, with its history dating back to 1840. Ahead of his wedding to Queen Victoria, Prince Albert asked British jeweller Garrard to create a special brooch made of diamonds and sapphires for her. Queen Victoria wore the brooch on her wedding day as her "something blue".
In addition to her engagement and wedding rings, Kate also wears a white gold diamond eternity band, gifted to her by Prince William from Annoushka. She has been spotted wearing this ring alongside her wedding band and engagement ring, as well as on its own.
While Kate has continued to wear her wedding ring, Prince William has never worn a wedding band. This is because it is not traditional for royal men to wear wedding rings, and William is not a fan of jewellery.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Prince William does not wear a wedding ring.
Prince William has never worn a wedding ring because he is not a fan of jewellery. A source told the Mirror, "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."
Yes, Kate Middleton did have a wedding ring. Her wedding band was crafted from Welsh gold that was originally presented to Queen Elizabeth and stored in the royal vaults.
