Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have consistently challenged royal conventions, whether through their decision to step back from royal duties or by instilling a fresh perspective on family traditions for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Central to their departure from the traditional royal image are Meghan’s unique choices, particularly evident in the way she wears her wedding and engagement rings. This seemingly simple act speaks volumes about their ethos: embracing individuality while redefining what it means to be modern royals.
In a world where royal engagements commonly highlight adherence to established norms, Meghan’s ring stack serves as a powerful statement of her personal style and values. Recently, Meghan shared a post on Instagram through her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with the caption “Simplici-tea.” In this innocuous moment of domesticity, she showcased her striking engagement ring arrangement. Rather than adhering to the traditional stacking order—wedding band on the bottom, engagement ring in the middle, with an eternity band on top—Meghan chose a new arrangement that subverts expectations.
Unpacking the Symbolism of Her Ring Choices
Maxwell Stone, a diamond expert, elaborates on how Meghan’s arrangement of her rings signifies a departure from tradition. By placing her engagement ring at the bottom of the stack, she is making a deliberate choice to prioritize her commitment to Harry—the core of their relationship—while the wedding band and eternity band serve as beautiful symbols of their journey together. This inversion in order provides insight into Meghan’s character; it captures her willingness to embrace change and redefine the commonly accepted narratives surrounding royal life.
The three-stone engagement ring, designed by Harry, showcases not only exquisite craftsmanship but also deep personal significance, incorporating diamonds from Prince Diana’s collection. This connection to family heritage illustrates Meghan’s respect for lineage, even as she steps outside its confines. Additionally, her choice to later update the ring with a diamond-studded band reflects overarching themes of growth and evolution, both personally and for her relationship with Harry.
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Intrinsic Values
The materials and artisanship involved in Meghan’s rings come with a remarkable tale of emotion and familial bonds. The Welsh gold used for her wedding band was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II, emphasizing a continuity of royal heritage. Meanwhile, her eternity band signifies a milestone in Meghan and Harry’s life together—an anniversary celebration not just marked by the passing of time but by tangible reminders of their shared experiences.
The symbolic layers of these rings further underline the couple’s values: their commitment to constraint, respect for family traditions, and yet a defiance against rigidity. Each piece carries intrinsic worth, not simply through monetary value (estimates suggest the engagement ring alone holds a worth of approximately £120,000) but through emotional connectivity. This intrinsic value is what modern couples often seek—the weaving together of personal stories that go beyond societal expectations and define their legacies.
The Impact of Those Choices on Public Perception
Meghan and Harry’s decisions have not only reshaped their family’s identity but also influenced public perception of royalty itself. By choosing to embrace their individuality openly, they create an accessible narrative that resonates with a broader audience. Others are invited to see tradition not as an unyielding set of rules, but as evolving, malleable ideas that can reflect contemporary values.
As the world witnesses Meghan Markle’s distinctive approach to royal customs, they are encouraged to reassess their own relationships with tradition—both personally and culturally. The couple’s nuanced interplay with legacy and change serves as a reminder of the power of personal expression. By redefining the norms surrounding something as intimate as engagement and wedding rings, they take a small yet potent step toward a more modern, relatable monarchy, one where individuality thrives alongside tradition. In this reimagining of royal duties and expectations, Meghan and Harry exemplify a courageous path forward that champions both personal authenticity and functional legacy.