Prince William’s left ring finger remains bare, a detail that puzzles some, while his wife, Princess Catherine, proudly wears an 18-karat Welsh gold wedding band.
Despite marrying Catherine Middleton in 2011, Prince William has consistently opted not to wear a wedding ring, leaving many curious. However, a palace aide provided an explanation for his choice.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William travel along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace, in London, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Before their grand wedding in 2011, a royal spokeswoman revealed that there was only going to be one ring at the ceremony as per the couple’s wishes. The wedding band was Catherine’s, crafted from Welsh gold, a design the couple played a role in creating.
A photo shows the wedding and engagement rings worn by Catherine Middleton, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The piece of Welsh gold used to make the glamorous ring was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Prince William shortly after his engagement to Catherine was announced. The Duke of Cambridge would present the ring in the traditional manner during their wedding ceremony.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William greet well-wishers from the balcony at Buckingham Palace after their wedding, in London, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
When it was announced that only Catherine’s ring would be at the ceremony, many people were curious about why William wasn’t going to wear one.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
A St. James Palace aide explained his reason at the time. They noted, “It was something the couple discussed but Prince William isn’t one for jewelry – he doesn’t even wear a signet ring – and decided he didn’t want to. It really is just down to personal preference.”
Prince William gives Catherine Middleton her wedding band during their wedding service at Westminster Abbey, in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Another source shared that it is quite common for men in William’s social class to forgo a traditional wedding band. When they do wear one, it is often alongside a family signet ring; however, William didn’t possess a signet ring.
Catherine Middleton and Prince William are married by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Penny Junor, author of “The Duchess: Camilla Parker Bowles and the Love Affair that Rocked the Crown,” also divulged, “He doesn’t like jewelry, and the Palace issued a statement before their wedding saying so.”
Prince William arrives to attend his Royal Wedding to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, around two billion people watched William and his wife’s wedding, so his marital status is well-known. As Robert Jobson, royal editor of London’s “Evening Standard,” explained, it’s “his prerogative” not to wear a wedding ring.
Catherine Middleton and Prince William leave the Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Diane Clehane, author of “Imagining Diana,” noted that William’s decision to follow a traditional approach of not wearing a wedding band rather than a modern one could actually highlight his modernity.
Prince William arrives to attend his Royal Wedding to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
She suggested that the couple’s choices, like Princess Catherine omitting “obey” from her vows and William choosing not to wear a ring, reflect their confidence in their relationship. It also highlighted their desire to chart their own path, much like many millennial couples.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William greet the crowd on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Unlike his brother, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle exchanged rings as a symbol of their unending love and faithfulness. Their wedding bands are meant to remind them of the vows they exchanged on their special day and the covenant of their marriage.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, places the wedding ring on the finger of Meghan Markle during their wedding ceremony in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from the vows and wedding band, Catherine and William’s wedding didn’t have more changes. After they exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey, they appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and shared kisses as the gathered crowd watched on.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The pair also enjoyed a reception hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and a private dinner in the evening courtesy of King Charles III. The celebratory receptions marked a joyful start to their life together as a royal couple.
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