Why Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring Was Wildly Unpopular With the Royal Family” explores the fascinating narrative behind one of history’s most iconic and controversial pieces of jewelry. Princess Diana’s choice of a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by fourteen diamonds and valued at £47,000 in 1981, clashed with royal expectations due to its status as a stock item rather than a bespoke design. Despite its widespread public admiration and its poignant connections to Diana’s personal history, including possible links to her mother’s engagement ring and Queen Victoria’s brooch, the ring’s accessibility to the general public was a significant point of contention within the elitist House of Windsor. This article delves into the details of Diana’s selection process, the royal family’s discontent, and the ring’s eventual passage to Kate Middleton, highlighting its enduring legacy and emotional significance. Have you ever wondered why Princess Diana’s engagement ring was wildly unpopular with the royal family despite its grandeur and iconic status? The Princess of Wales’ choice continues to captivate public interest, yet it caused quite a stir among the elitist House of Windsor. In this article, we’ll delve into the historical and personal contexts surrounding this exquisite piece of jewelry and explore why it was met with skepticism in royal circles.
A Landmark Proposal and an Unconventional Choice
In 1981, after only meeting 13 times, Prince Charles proposed marriage to the youthful Lady Diana Spencer. At the age of 32, Charles wanted Diana, who was a mere 19, to have a say in selecting her engagement ring. Unlike the previous royal engagements, where the ring was custom-designed, Charles presented Diana with a selection of rings from Garrard, the crown jeweler at the time.
The Choice of the Sapphire Ring
Diana ultimately chose a stunning Ceylon sapphire stone surrounded by 14 diamonds set in white gold. Issued as a stock item by Garrard, the ring caused ripples within the royal family. Why? Because anyone with around $60,000 could purchase the same ring. This lack of exclusivity was in stark contrast to the one-of-a-kind, bespoke nature of previous royal engagement rings.
Specifications of Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Center Stone | 12-carat Ceylon sapphire |
| Surrounding Diamonds | Fourteen |
| Setting | White gold |
| Original Cost (1981) | £47,000 |
| Current Estimated Value | £300,000 (approximately $400,000) |
Why the Royal Family Disapproved
Several reasons contributed to the royal family’s disapproval of Diana’s engagement ring:
- Commonality: The ring was a catalog piece, not bespoke, which meant its design was not exclusive to royalty.
- Public Access: Anyone could buy this ring, eroding the aura of uniqueness typically associated with royal jewels.
- Queen Elizabeth’s Sentiment: The Queen particularly felt that Diana’s choice lacked distinction and did not set her apart as a member of the royal family.
The Deeper Meaning Behind Diana’s Choice
Though some reports claimed Diana picked the ring because it was the largest, there were deeper, more sentimental reasons at play. Some speculated that the ring reminded her of her mother, Frances Shand Kydd’s engagement ring. Another theory suggested the ring drew inspiration from a brooch owned by Queen Victoria, which featured a striking similar design commissioned by Prince Albert.
Historical Inspirations
The brooch owned by Queen Victoria had a central diamond sapphire surrounded by 12 diamonds set on a gold band. It symbolized the enduring love between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and held a significant place in British royal history. Through these connections, Diana’s choice might have been a nod to a deep-seated historical tradition, despite its modern accessibility.
Public Perception vs. Royal Opinion
While the royal family grappled with Diana’s unconventional choice, the public had a wholly different view. The ring set off a trend of using precious gemstones as engagement rings, shifting public preference away from the traditional diamond solitaire. Critics of the royal family commended Diana for her bold choice, which resonated with many people worldwide.
The Iconic Status of the Ring
Despite initial controversies, the ring has since become one of the most memorable engagement rings in history. Its iconic status was solidified when it was later passed down to another beloved royal figure, Kate Middleton.
Transition to Kate Middleton
When Princess Diana tragically died in 1997, her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, inherited her jewelry. The sapphire ring initially went to Prince Harry, while Prince William received Diana’s Cartier watch. However, as years passed, the ring found its way onto the finger of Kate Middleton, the future Queen of England.
The Heirloom’s Journey
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry sets the record straight regarding the ring’s journey. Contrary to earlier stories, Harry never gifted the ring to William. Instead, William had already acquired it shortly after their mother’s death. By the time Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in October 2010, the ring had become a cherished heirloom celebrating both Diana’s memory and the couple’s future.
Conclusion
Princess Diana’s engagement ring remains a fascinating topic that bridges royal traditions with modern sensibilities. Its journey from causing royal discontent to becoming an iconic symbol on Kate Middleton’s finger underscores the evolving dynamics within the British royal family. While the ring may have been wildly unpopular with the House of Windsor, its enduring legacy and public admiration cannot be overstated.
