Why Prince William Never Wears His Wedding Ring

In the Mother’s Day photo released by the Prince and Princess of Wales last week, it was noted that Kate Middleton was not wearing her engagement or wedding rings. It was not so unusual for her to not have them on, since the photo was presumably taken at home, but it sparked conversation around Prince William and his habit of going without his wedding ring under most circumstances.

William is apparently not a fan of wearing jewelry of any kind, according to Hello Magazine. When the couple were married in 2011, St. James’ Palace even officially announced that he would not be given a ring during the ceremony held at Westminster Abbey.

A palace insider told The Mirror at the time, “He’s not one for jewelry. He’s never worn any. He decided he didn’t want to wear one now. It’s all down to personal preference.”

In 2018, royal expert Eloise Parker told Marie Claire that many men in the royal family go without them.

“Although it’s traditional for royal women to wear both an engagement ring and a wedding ring after they get married, it’s never been traditional for royal men to wear one,” she explained. “That’s why Prince Philip and Prince William don’t wear them. I think when you have a wedding watched by millions, everyone knows you’re married.”

Prince Harry, however, has worn his platinum wedding ring ever since his marriage to Meghan Markle, as does she. Meghan’s ring was made by Cleave and Company from Welsh Gold.

“Ms. Markle’s ring has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh Gold, gifted by Her Majesty The Queen,” the palace said around the couple’s nuptials. “Prince Harry’s ring will be a Platinum Band with a textured finish. Both rings were crafted in the Cleave workshop.”

Kate’s ring is also made from gold mined in north Wales as was the late Queen’s and Harry and William’s mother, Princess Diana.