Kate's Dazzling Ring Belonged to Harry, Not William

By Rob Shuter Posted Nov 16th 2010 03:10PM

EXCLUSIVE: No one was more surprised than Kate Middleton when Prince William gave her Princess Diana's oval sapphire engagement ring. Why? Because it was his brother, Prince Harry, who received it after his beloved mother died.

Following their mother's tragic death in 1997, Prince Charles took Harry and William to visit Kensington Palace, Diana's home, where they selected mementos from their mummy's possessions. Prince Harry chose the ring and Prince William chose Diana's 18K yellow gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch that she used to teach him the time.

Video: Public's Mixed Reaction to the Big News

"Harry was happy to give the ring to his brother," an insider with knowledge of the situation tells me. "He loves William and thinks it's only right that one day the woman sitting next to the King will be wearing his mother's ring. That's the way Diana would have wanted it."

The ring, a sapphire surrounded by 14 rounds of diamonds set in 18k of white gold, cost over $40,000 when Prince Charles purchased it back in 1981. Of course, now because of its association with Diana, the magnificent piece of jewelry is considered priceless.

► Ring Specs | Kate: The Woman Who Could Be Queen

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A Royal Engagement

Britain's Prince William and his fiance, Kate Middleton, pose for photographers in London on Tuesday. The announcement ended feverish speculation about when the second-in-line to the throne would wed.

Ben Stansall, AFP / Getty Images

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

William proposed in Kenya while the two were there on vacation last month, and gave Kate his late mother's sapphire engagement ring.

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

"This was my way of making sure that my mother didn't miss out on today," William said as the couple posed for photographers at St. James' Palace Tuesday. This 1981 photo shows the rings of Prince Charles and his fiance, Lady Diana Spencer.

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

Michael and Carole Middleton, Kate's parents, pose at their home in Berkshire, southern England. "We all think he's wonderful, we're extremely fond of him," Michael Middleton said. "They make a lovely couple."

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

Britain Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she is congratulated on the engagement. The queen and her husband Prince Philip "are absolutely delighted for them both," Buckingham Palace said. Prince Charles said he was "absolutely thrilled."

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

The nuptials will come 30 years after the iconic wedding of William's parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Here, they kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London on July 29, 1981.

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

The couple, who met eight years ago when they were students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, have had an on-again, off-again relationship, but speculation of an impending marriage had been building over the past several months.

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

Prince Charles' Clarence House office said Tuesday it was "delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton."

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

The prince, who is second in line to the British throne, and his betrothed are both 28. Middleton works for her family's mail-order business, which specializes in children's parties. The business has made her parents millionaires.

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

The two, here at a 2007 rugby match with Prince William's younger brother, Harry, left, will marry in the spring or summer next year in London, officials said. There was no official word on the venue for the wedding.

Finally! William Proposes to Kate

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Tags: Kate Middleton, prince harry, Prince William

Comments

(33)

Tuesday 16 November

By victory

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How perfect of William to give Kate his late mothers ring for their engagement. He looks and behaves just as graciously as his much loved mother. That's a good thing. All the best to a beautiful couple.

By oaksny2006

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the ring belonged to Harry

By Shari

I Agree, they are a beautiful couple and I think Diana would be very happy with her son's choice for a wife - I wish them both the very best and may they continue in the footsteps of the Queen of our Hearts, our beloved Diana, RIP.

By LIuxingyu

Wanna know where people go to snag an i-nter-racial rel-ations-hip, say, Just for future reference? “i-nterr-acial Central”? “San Carlos” ? or “San Francisco”?*** BlackWhite Cupid C 0/om *** is the real place that is packed with them. ;)
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By Lindati89

By kkou7

I remember watching the 1981 wedding of Charles and Diana. It's a generation later and I will be watching the wedding of her son...I wish both he and Kate the very best!I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

By celebcupid

"celeb cupid"... ... google tis item, you may know it is a place you can meeett hundrends of thousands of quality singles

By emma

Of everything that happened with Charles and Dianna, you have to say that they raised two really good kids.

By steves1709

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Either that or Charles taught them how to keep the press out of their dirt...

By montana

I hope it isn't bad luck . Good Luck you two, you deserve the very best in life

By Courtney

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yes that's one thing you can say about prince charles and Princess Diana they raised two wonderful boys. though they actually almost had three children as Diana got pregnant again right after Harry was born and miscarried at 12 weeks in march 1985 correct Harry's birthday is September 15th 1984 and Diana conceived in december of 84 which means that child would've been due around Harry's 1st birthday. of course they seperated in 1992 and were divorced in 1996

By JUJU

The ring may be priceless, but it also has bad luck. After all Charles and Diana divorced. Hope they have better luck.

By jds

LOL I thought the same thing. I'm sorry but I would not want an engagement ring that is from a failed marriage. No matter how pretty it was. I wish them the best and hopefully it lasts.

By K

What an honor to wear something that Diana had. I couldnt even imagine. I am sure his mother would be proud. She was a remarkable woman with all the things she did for people. We lost a good one when she was taken...the best to them both.

By mannequin

I think Diana would be pleased. I look forward to seeing her dress and pictures from the fairytale wedding.

By Maryann

I remember watching the 1981 wedding of Charles and Diana. It's a generation later and I will be watching the wedding of her son...I wish both he and Kate the very best!

By goodgrief61945

Personally, I think it's tacky to use Di's ring. Also don't agree with their choice to be married in the same church that was used for Di's funeral. Don't get me wrong,, they're a very special and lucky couple, and I wish them the very best. Just my opinion.

By Becky

HARRY ROCKS!! What a nice thing to do to give that ring to his brother for Kate. I have always loved Harry...after this he has my heart. Their Mother would be so proud of the fine young men they both have grown up to be. I am certain for as happy as William and Kate seem to be that she would be happy for them as well; and that William has made a wonderful choice for his wife. Good luck to them...I hope that they will have a happy and blessed life.

By TTkayers

Hey oaksny I am guessing you didn't read the part that said Harry gave William the ring for Kate because it was what his mother would have wanted. I applaud him for his thoughtfulness. I am wondering if his brother gave Harry the watch to replace the ring.

By Tessa

I don't think a ring could bring them bad luck what??they have been together for 8 years,alot longer than the chosen Diana to be be Charles wife.Espically he was in love with Camilla the whole time.Of course it's sad but they used Lady Di as a baby maker for an heir to the throne...Little did they know she would be even more famous and honored more than any of them,Harry is a wonderful brother for giving his brother the ring,Diana did an excellant job in raising those 2 boys and I hope she is looking down from heaven with Wills exchanges his vows... 0:)

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