Harry's Wedding Band: Why He Wears It

Prince Harry does wear a wedding band, unlike his brother, Prince William, and grandfather, Prince Philip. Harry's decision to wear a wedding ring breaks with male royal tradition, as does his choice of a platinum design, rather than the classic Welsh gold usually favoured by his family. Harry's father, Prince Charles, also wears a wedding band, but on his pinky finger.

Prince Harry's wedding ring is platinum, not Welsh gold like other male royals

When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, he broke with royal tradition by choosing to wear a wedding band—he is the first man in his family to do so. But it's not just the presence of the ring that's notable, it's also the choice of metal. Unlike other male royals, Harry opted for a platinum band instead of a ring made from Welsh gold.

The use of Welsh gold in royal wedding bands was established by the Queen Mother in 1923, and all royal brides have followed this tradition, including Meghan. The gold is sourced from the Queen's personal collection of Welsh gold from the Clogau St. David Gold Mine in Dolgellau, Wales. This mine is no longer in operation, making the gold even more exclusive.

Prince Harry's decision to choose platinum is thought to be based on his preference for a more modern look. His ring features a slender band with a subtly brushed, textured finish. It was crafted by court jewellers Cleave and Company, the same jewellers who created Meghan's engagement ring and wedding band.

Harry's choice to wear a wedding band at all is also a break from tradition. Men wearing wedding bands is still a relatively modern trend, and it's not uncommon for male members of the royal family to forgo rings. Prince William, for example, doesn't wear a wedding band because he "isn't one for jewellery", and Prince Philip, William's grandfather, also never wore a wedding ring.

Harry's ring is worn on his ring finger, not his pinky like his father

Prince Harry's wedding band is worn on his ring finger, unlike his father, King Charles III, who wears his wedding band on his pinky finger. Harry's decision to wear a wedding band was surprising to some as many British royal men choose not to wear one. His brother, Prince William, and grandfather, Prince Philip, for example, do not wear wedding rings.

Harry's wedding ring is a platinum band with a textured finish, crafted by court jewellers Cleave and Company. He chose platinum over the classic Welsh gold usually favoured by his family, opting for a more modern look. The ring was created alongside Meghan Markle's wedding band, which was made from Welsh gold gifted by Queen Elizabeth.

While Harry's wedding band is worn on his ring finger, his father, King Charles, wears his wedding band on his pinky finger. King Charles also wears a signet ring, or a gentleman's ring, on his left pinky finger. This large gold band is often worn on the pinky of one's non-dominant hand and is engraved with a family crest or personal signature, reflecting the owner's social status.

The King's signet ring is engraved with the official crest of the Prince of Wales, a title he held for 64 years and now belongs to his son, William, the Prince of Wales. The ring is made of Welsh gold and dates back 175 years. It was last worn by Charles' uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor, who was the Prince of Wales before he ascended the throne.

Prince William and Prince Philip do not wear wedding rings

Prince William's decision follows the example set by his late grandfather, Prince Philip, and his uncle, Prince Andrew, who also chose not to wear wedding rings.

The custom of men wearing wedding rings is said to be relatively recent, gaining popularity during the Second World War when servicemen chose to wear them as a reminder of their wives and families at home.

While it is now common practice for both the bride and groom to exchange rings, royal men are not bound by this tradition, and the choice remains a matter of personal preference.

Prince William's wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a simple gold wedding band fashioned from a nugget of royal-owned Welsh gold given to William by his grandmother, the Queen.

Prince Harry, on the other hand, chose to wear a wedding band made of platinum, designed by court jewellers Cleave and Company, breaking with royal tradition.

Prince Harry's wedding ring was crafted by court jewellers Cleave and Company

Prince Harry's wedding ring is notably different from those of other royal men. While most British royal men choose not to wear a wedding ring at all, Harry opted to wear one. He also chose to wear a platinum ring rather than a ring made of the classic Welsh gold usually favoured by his family.

Harry and Meghan chose Cleave and Company to create their wedding jewellery. Meghan's ring was fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold gifted by Queen Elizabeth II. The use of Welsh gold for wedding rings is a long-standing tradition in the royal family. The gold was originally sourced from the Clogau St. David Gold Mine in Dolgellau, Wales, which is no longer in operation, making the metal increasingly precious.

Cleave and Company also designed Meghan's engagement ring, which was made from yellow gold (her favourite) with a central stone sourced from Botswana and two smaller stones from Princess Diana's collection.

Harry's ring has a brushed, textured finish

Prince Harry's wedding ring is a platinum band with a brushed, textured finish. It was crafted by court jewellers Cleave and Company, who also designed Meghan's engagement ring and wedding band. Harry's ring features a slender band with a subtly brushed, textured finish.

Harry's decision to wear a wedding ring at all is a break from tradition. Many royal men, including his brother, Prince William, and his grandfather, Prince Philip, do not wear wedding bands. Harry's father, Prince Charles, does wear a wedding ring, but on his pinky finger, rather than the ring finger.

The choice to wear a wedding ring is a matter of "personal preference", according to the palace. However, the "no" option is rooted in the traditions of the upper classes, where it is seen as more sophisticated to wear less jewellery.

Harry's decision to wear a wedding ring, and his choice of design, are further examples of how he and Meghan are doing things their own way and taking a modern approach to life as royals.

Frequently asked questions