Since tying the knot with Catherine Middleton in 2011, Prince William has chosen not to wear a wedding ring, leaving many people intrigued. However, a palace aide has offered insight into his decision.
Before their grand wedding in 2011, a royal spokeswoman disclosed that there would be only one ring at the ceremony, in accordance with the couple’s wishes. The wedding band belonged to Catherine and was crafted from Welsh gold, with the couple involved in its design.
The piece of Welsh gold used for the elegant ring was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Prince William shortly after the announcement of his engagement to Catherine. The Duke of Cambridge presented the ring in the traditional way during their wedding ceremony.
When it was revealed that only Catherine’s ring would be present at the ceremony, many people were curious about the reason behind William not wearing one.
An aide from St. James Palace explained the reasoning behind this decision at the time. They mentioned, “It was something the couple discussed but Prince William isn’t one for jewelry – he doesn’t even wear a signet ring – and decided he didn’t want to. It really is just down to personal preference.”
Another source indicated that it is quite typical for men in William’s social class to skip a traditional wedding band. When they do choose to wear one, it is often paired with a family signet ring; however, William did not have a signet ring.
Penny Junor, the author of “The Duchess: Camilla Parker Bowles and the Love Affair that Rocked the Crown,” also mentioned, “He doesn’t like jewelry, and the Palace issued a statement before their wedding saying so.”
Additionally, around two billion people viewed William and his wife’s wedding, making his marital status widely recognized. According to Robert Jobson, royal editor of London’s “Evening Standard,” it is “his prerogative” not to wear a wedding ring.
Diane Clehane, the author of “Imagining Diana,” observed that William’s choice to adhere to a traditional norm by not wearing a wedding band, rather than opting for a contemporary one, might actually emphasize his modernity.
She proposed that the couple’s decisions, such as Princess Catherine’s omission of “obey” from her vows and William’s choice not to wear a ring, showcase their confidence in their relationship. It also underscores their intention to forge their own path, similar to many millennial couples.
In contrast to his brother, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, exchanged rings to symbolize their enduring love and commitment. Their wedding bands serve as a reminder of the vows they made on their special day and the covenant of their marriage.
Aside from the vows and wedding bands, there weren’t many alterations to Catherine and William’s wedding. After exchanging vows at Westminster Abbey, they appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and shared kisses while the assembled crowd looked on.
The couple also attended a reception hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and enjoyed a private dinner later in the evening provided by King Charles III. These celebratory receptions signified a joyful beginning to their life together as a royal couple.