Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library
Princess Dianahad one of the most recognizable engagement rings in royal history.
The late Princess of Wales and the then-Prince Charlesannounced their engagement to the public on February 24, 1981, giving people the first glimpse of her sapphire and diamond sparkler.
Royal women have oftenfavored sapphires, especially when it comes to engagement rings:Princess Annesports a blue sapphire engagement ring, andPrincess Eugeniewears a rareblush-colored padparadscha sapphire ring.
Though this specific gemstone may be a royal favorite, Diana’s engagement ring was not a bespoke piece, which went against royal tradition. While initially a controversial choice, the ring has become one of the most iconic and priceless pieces of royal jewelry.
Affectionately remembered as the People’s Princess, Diana often paved her own path within the royal family — and her engagement ring is just one example of how she did things her way. From picking her ring out of a catalog to its ongoing legacy, here are all the details on Princess Diana’s engagement ring.
Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring
Tim Graham Photo Library
Many royals often repurpose heirloom gems to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings.Prince Philipused diamondsfrom a tiarabelonging to his mother, Princess Alice of Greece, forQueen Elizabeth’s engagement ring back in 1947. In 2017, Prince Harry used two stones from Diana’s personal jewelry collection to createMeghan Markle’s engagement ring.
After Victoria died in 1901, the brooch was declared an heirloom of the crown. The lateQueen Elizabethlater wore the brooch various times during their reign.
Diana’s 19th-century-inspired ring was one of many that Charles selected to be presented to the Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle in preparation for the proposal. Charles chose to include the sapphire and diamond ring in the collection because it reminded him of the brooch he often saw his mother and grandmother wear.
Princess Diana reportedly picked the sapphire ring because it matched her blue eyes.
Princess Diana’s Marriage Proposal
In early February 1981, Charlespopped the questionto his bride-to-be after six months of dating.
After their engagement was made public, the couple posed for photos outside Buckingham Palace before speaking with the BBC for a joint engagement interview. Diana wore a cobalt blue skirt suit from Harrods that complemented the vivid color of her new engagement ring.
“I asked Diana before she went to Australia,” Charles told the BBC of the proposal. “Two or three days before. I thought it would be a good idea … if she went to Australia she could then think about it, and if she didn’t like the idea she could say she didn’t, or if she did, she could say that.”
Diana later shared that saying “yes” was the obvious choice. “I had a long time to think about it because I knew the pressure was on both of us,” she said. “It wasn’t a difficult decision in the end. It’s what I wanted. It’s what I want.”
During this interview, Charles also made his infamous remark about the meaning of love. When asked if the couple were in love, Diana replied sheepishly, “Of course,” while Charles said, “Whatever in love means,” which the Princess of Wales later said “traumatized” her.
The Legacy of Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring
Chris Jackson/Getty
In a subtle tribute to Princess Diana’s engagement announcement outfit, Kate chose a blue Issa dress that perfectly matched the ring for her joint interview with William. The sentimental choice only made the moment even more special, with William explaining why the sapphire piece was so close to his heart.
“It’s my mother’s engagement ring so, I thought it was quite nice because obviously, she’s not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all — this was my way of keeping her sort of close to it all,” he said.
source: people.com
