Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle in November 2017 was a suitably romantic and intimate occasion, with the perfect ring to match.
When the Duke of Sussex first discussed his engagement to Meghan during a BBC interview, he explained that he proposed during a quiet night in with Meghan while she roasted a chicken.
He would go on to later share the adorable details of the moment he popped the question in Spare, revealing that he had popped a bottle of champagne unexpectedly and had "set electric candles around the blanket" in their walled garden at Nottingham Cottage. He had "wanted it to look like Botswana, where I'd first thought of proposing", he wrote.
The engagement ring he got for Meghan Markle was an equally thoughtful choice, as he designed it himself with a number of historical details that not only reflected their relationship as a couple, but his family heritage.
© Max Mumby/IndigoHere is all we know about the stunning engagement ring.
The design
Prince Harry designed the engagement ring himself - unlike his brother Prince William, who famously opted for his mother Princess Diana's famous diamond and sapphire ring.
© DANIEL LEALThe ring itself has a cushion cut diamond, estimated to be between 2.5 and 3 carats, supported by two round diamonds. The stones are set in white gold with the main band of the ring in yellow gold.
Yet the famous piece of jewellery was also referential to his mother, as the side stones, two round diamonds, came from Princess Diana's personal jewellery collection.
Meghan revealed that it was "important" to her to know that the late royal was "a part of this with us".
© Chris JacksonShe added: "It's incredibly special to be able to have this, which sort of links where [Harry comes] from and Botswana, which is important to us, it's perfect."
The main stone - a cushion cut diamond - links more intimately to the couple's relationship, as it's from Botswana where the couple took their first holiday together. Harry explained that it was on this holiday that he decided he wanted to marry her.
© Max Mumby/Indigo"It was I think about three, maybe four weeks after our first date that I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana," The Prince revealed. "And we camped out with each other under the stars … she came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic."
The Duke of Sussex selected a yellow gold band, reportedly his wife's favorite, from Cleave & Company, the late Queen Elizabeth's regular jeweller.
© Karwai TangHow much did it cost
David Allen, an expert from 77 Diamonds, spoke to HELLO! as the couple's wedding took place in 2018, revealing that: "A ring of this size and quality would start at around £50,000 but with the use of the late Princess Diana's diamonds as side stones, this ring, like Kate's before it, is of inestimable worth."
He continued: "The last Royal engagement that came with a Trilogy engagement ring was the Countess of Wessex in 1999 to Prince Edward which features a round centre stone and heart shape side stones."
© DANIEL LEALWhy doesn't the Duchess of Sussex wear her ring anymore
Eagle eyed fans regularly take note when they see that the Duchess of Sussex isn't wearing her engagement ring, and over the past few years she has opted not to wear it at a number of public events.
In 2023 reports noted that the Duchess' ring had been taken in for servicing after the setting came loose. But back in 2019, PEOPLE heard from a source that Meghan actually chooses not to wear her engagement ring or her eternity ring for certain occasions, in order to make sure meet and greets can be more low-key affairs.
© PoolInstead, she has opted to wear her Welsh gold wedding ring and a Jennifer Meyer turquoise marquise ring.
Before and after upgrade
As Meghan and Harry introduced their son Archie to the world, many keen fans noticed that the Duchess had upgraded her engagement ring band. She debuted the new ring during 2019's Trooping the Colour ceremony.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThe original solid yellow gold band, crafted by Cleave and Company, had been replaced with a thin micro-pavé band instead.
It's worth mentioning that the Duchess often wears her engagement ring alongside her wedding band, which is much thinner than the original engagement band was. Perhaps she thought that the micro pavé band coordinated better with her wedding ring, which is made from rare Welsh gold from Clogau.
Meghan Markle's wedding band
© WPA PoolMeghan's wedding band also had a sentimental backstory. The plain gold ring was gifted by the late Queen Elizabeth and is crafted out of pure Welsh gold from Cleave & Company.
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Welsh gold has been traditionally used by the royals since 1923 when the Queen Mother used the material for her own wedding band. Princess Anne, Princess Diana, Princess Kate, and Princess Eugenie have also worn wedding bands made of Welsh gold
