Today the world learned that Britain's Prince William had proposed to Kate Middleton last month when the couple was vacationing in Kenya. The ring that the prince presented to Middleton is not unfamiliar to the world, for it was the same band worn by William's mother, Princess Diana, during her engagement to Prince Charles.
AP
Kate Middleton wears the engagement ring Prince William presented to her. The ring is the same band worn by William's mother, Princess Diana.
Surge Desk has the specs on the ring given to the woman who will become the prince's bride.
The history
Unlike his son, Prince Charles initially proposed to Diana without a ring. Only after she accepted did she select her own engagement ring from a selection presented by Garrard Jewelers. In fact, the ring she chose was available for purchase by the public and was not made exclusively for the princess.
The stone and setting
Considered by many to have been a symbol of the depth of the love Princess Diana and Prince Charles shared, a lustrous blue, 18-carat sapphire sits at the center of the setting, surrounded by 14 small diamonds.
Original price tag
When he purchased it in 1981, Prince Charles paid roughly 28,000 pounds for the ring, about $45,000 by today's exchange rate.
The symbolism
Announcing the engagement today, William spoke about the sentimental value that the ring holds for him. "It is very special to me," he told reporters. "It was a way to make sure my mother did not miss out on today and the excitement that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together."
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More Coverage:
William, Kate Get Engaged
Who Is Kate Middleton?
The Man Who Could Be King
Engagement Announced on Twitter
William and Kate Photos
Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring
10 Questions on the Wedding
Royal Style: How Kate Compares
How Close Is Harry to the Altar?
From AisleDash:
Royal Engagement Souvenirs
More on Catherine Middleton
Royal Wedding Planning
Royal Wedding Photos
William, Kate Get Engaged
Who Is Kate Middleton?
The Man Who Could Be King
Engagement Announced on Twitter
William and Kate Photos
Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring
10 Questions on the Wedding
Royal Style: How Kate Compares
How Close Is Harry to the Altar?
From AisleDash:
Royal Engagement Souvenirs
More on Catherine Middleton
Royal Wedding Planning
Royal Wedding Photos
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