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Wait, Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring Belonged to Prince Harry First?
This changes everything.
Prince William lost his mother, Princess Diana, way too soon. But, the late beloved royal is never far from her son's thoughts. And though Diana never got to meet her perfectly poised daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, the two royal women are connected in spirit — and in heirloom jewelry.
When Prince William proposed to Kate in 2010, he famously used the very same sapphire ring that Prince Charles used to propose to Diana in 1981. But — here's the kicker — the ring actually belonged to Harry! But first, here's a bit of jewel-based history (we knew you'd be interested)...
The glittering ring, which has an estimated worth of $500,000, resembles a Crown heirloom that has been in the royal family since the nineteenth century.
According to Vogue, Prince Albert commissioned a sapphire brooch for Queen Victoria in 1840. Queen Victoria amassed quite the collection of jewels throughout her 63-year reign. But, the royal magpie reportedly had a special fondness for the sapphire sparkler, which she wore on her wedding day. (How's that for a posh something blue?)
Diana's lookalike sapphire ring — made by British jeweler Garrard — was obviously quite special to the princess as well. In her will, Diana left two pieces of jewelry to her sons: a gold Cartier watch, and her engagement ring.
Well, it was actually Prince Harry who picked out the ring as a keepsake! But, when Prince William decided to propose to Kate, Harry made a sweet sacrifice: He handed the storied piece of jewelry over to William. What a shining example of brotherly behavior.
Side note: we'd totally watch an entire movie about this ring and its many plot twists.
