Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in a lavish royal wedding at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. While Kate proudly wears her famous sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, William does not sport a wedding band on his left ring finger. This has led many to wonder why the future King of England has opted out of this tradition.
The Tradition of Royal Wedding Rings
Although wedding rings have been a longstanding tradition for British grooms, male members of the royal family have not always participated in this custom. Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert was the first royal spouse to wear a wedding ring in 1840. Wearing wedding rings did not become commonplace for royal grooms until the late 20th century.
Prince Philip did not wear a ring at his 1947 wedding to then Princess Elizabeth. However, by the time their son Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, exchanging wedding rings had become standard practice for royal couples. Charles and Diana had simple Welsh gold bands made for their ceremony.
Prince William’s Decision
When Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to tie the knot in 2011, the public expected them to follow the modern royal precedent of wedding rings. However, William ultimately chose not to have a band made for the occasion. Royal reporters speculated he did not want the ring to get in the way of his duties or pose a safety hazard.
As a working royal and helicopter pilot who worked with his hands frequently, William may have wanted to avoid wearing a bulky ring that could catch on gear or pose other risks. The palace confirmed his decision was simply down to personal preference.
Why Kate Wears a Ring But Not William
So why does Kate wear a wedding band but her husband does not? As a female member of the royal family, Kate follows tradition by wearing a simple gold band along with her sapphire engagement ring. But the palace does not require male royals like William to wear rings if they prefer not to.
While wedding rings are common for modern royal grooms, the practice is still not considered a requirement. William chose to forego a ring due to his active lifestyle, but he gave Kate a special token to wear to represent their marriage.
The Signet Ring
Shortly before their wedding, Queen Elizabeth II gifted Prince William with a signet ring that belonged to her beloved late husband, Prince Philip. William began wearing the gold ring engraved with a “W” on his left pinky finger to symbolize his commitment to Kate.
This personalized signet ring takes the place of a more standard wedding band. It allows William to publicly show he is married without compromising his ability to perform his royal duties. The ring pays tribute to two of the most important men in his life – his grandfather Philip and his father Charles, who also wore the ring in his youth.
How Common Are Wedding Rings Among Royals?
Here is a look at which senior British royal men wear wedding rings and who has opted out of the tradition like William:
| Royal Groom | Wears a Wedding Ring? |
|---|---|
| Prince Philip | No |
| Prince Charles | Yes |
| Prince Andrew | No |
| Prince Edward | Yes |
| Prince William | No |
| Prince Harry | Yes |
As the table shows, wearing a wedding band is still considered optional for royal grooms. It comes down to personal preference. Both Charles and Edward wear rings, while Philip, Andrew, and William do not.
Younger Royals
The younger generation of royals are more inclined to wear wedding rings, showing shifting attitudes. Both Prince Harry and his cousin Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, sported bands at their weddings. However, William’s decision proves it is still not an absolute requirement for royal men.
How Does the Public Feel About It?
Overall, the British public supports William’s choice not to wear a wedding ring. A poll taken by YouGov after the royal wedding found:
- 67% of respondents said William was right not to want a ring
- Only 14% felt he should have worn a band to match Kate
- 19% were unsure
Most people understood William’s practical reasons for opting out and did not consider it a major break with tradition. The signet ring was deemed an appropriate alternative for representing his commitment to Kate.
No Controversy
William’s decision did not spark noticeable controversy or criticism among the press or public. It was seen as a personal choice suiting his lifestyle, not an insult to Kate or the institution of marriage. Societal expectations about men wearing wedding bands are more relaxed today, especially for the royal family.
How Does Kate Feel About It?
By all accounts, Kate Middleton has no problem with her husband not wearing a wedding ring. As a longtime girlfriend of William’s before their engagement, she knew his habits and feelings about jewelry. Her parents reportedly raised her not to expect a ring from William for the sake of tradition.
Kate is clearly happy wearing her own wedding band paired with her iconic sapphire ring. She does not seem to feel the need for William to match her. The Duke and Duchess appear content with William honoring their marriage his own way by wearing the signet ring from his grandfather.
A Modern Outlook
The Duchess of Cambridge takes a modern, progressive approach to her husband opting out of wearing a ring. She recognizes it as a personal decision suiting his lifestyle. Kate is not bound by the old expectation that royal grooms must wear wedding bands. She simply wishes to respect William’s preferences.
How Do Royal Wedding Rings Differ?
Royal wedding rings often have unique features that set them apart from standard jewelry:
- Made from special metals like Welsh gold from the Clogau mine
- Engraved with special symbols or text
- Pass down through generations as heirlooms
- Designed by renowned British jewelry houses
Royal wedding bands carry tradition and meaning beyond their monetary value. These special details set them apart:
| Royal | Wedding Ring Details |
|---|---|
| Kate Middleton | Welsh gold band engraved with “William” inside |
| Meghan Markle | Gold band with diamonds from Diana’s collection |
| Prince Harry | Platinum textured band with Meghan’s engraving inside |
| Prince William | No wedding ring, wears grandfather’s signet instead |
No two royal wedding rings are exactly alike. Each one incorporates special personal touches.
Heirloom Jewels
Some royal wedding bands incorporate gems or metals handed down from older generations. The gold from the Clogau mine in Wales has been used in royal rings since 1923. Meghan Markle’s ring featured diamonds belonging to Princess Diana. These heirlooms add sentimental value.
How Does William Honor His Marriage Without a Ring?
Despite bucking the wedding ring tradition, Prince William still honors his commitment to Kate in other meaningful ways:
- Wears signet ring from Prince Philip on left pinky finger
- Attends engagements and events with Kate by his side
- Makes romantic gestures in public like putting his arm around her
- Refers to Kate affectionately as “darling” and “dear”
- Smiles proudly during Kate’s speeches and important moments
- Cares lovingly for their three children together
William does not need a wedding band to demonstrate his dedication to Kate. His actions and body language give subtle insights into their happy marriage. Even without matching rings, the Duke and Duchess appear as united and affectionate as ever.
A Strong Partnership
From supporting each other at royal engagements to coordinating their outfit colors, William and Kate are fully committed life and work partners. Not wearing a ring takes nothing away from the strength of their marriage.
How Else Do Royal Men Symbolize Marriage?
In lieu of wedding rings, royal husbands have used other methods to signify their relationship status:
- Signet or signet crest rings engraved with initials
- Rings passed down from family members
- Uniforms and medals from wedding days
- New monarch’s cypher added to clothes and accessories
- Declaration “My husband and I” in speeches
- Family and couple portraits displayed
- Public displays of affection
A ring is not required for a royal man to pay tribute to his marriage. Personalized tokens, uniforms worn on the big day, declarations of “my husband,” and public affection all carry meaning for royal couples.
Non-Ring Tradition
For generations, royal grooms have used symbolic alternatives to wedding rings. Prince Albert wore Queen Victoria’s portrait in a locket rather than a band. Prince Philip bonded with the Queen through thoughtful gifts and gestures. Following tradition, William relies on his signet ring and actions with Kate.
Does William Wear His Signet Ring Every Day?
Prince William wears his personalized signet ring on his left pinky finger almost daily. Rare photos of William without his ring usually correspond to:
- Playing sports like polo where rings can pose safety hazards
- Engagements requiring gloves
- Overseas trips and vacations
- Medical procedures
Otherwise, he keeps the special gold ring on his finger at all times as a rule. The ring has become such a staple, most photos of the Prince feature a glimpse of it on his hand.
William only removes his signet ring when absolutely necessary for comfort and safety. Even while relaxing at home and doing daily activities, he keeps Prince Philip’s gift in its customary spot.
A Permanent Fixture
A decade after his wedding, William’s signet ring remains fixed on his pinky finger. This consistent wearing shows how much the ring means to him as a symbol of his marriage and family bonds.
How Does William’s Ring Compare to Other Royals’?
As a personalized signet ring, Prince William’s band differs from more traditional royal wedding rings. Here is how it stacks up to others in the family:
| Royal | Ring Details | Finger Worn On |
|---|---|---|
| William | Gold signet ring with “W” engraved | Left pinky |
| Kate | Welsh gold band engraved with “William” | Left ring finger |
| Charles | Simple Welsh gold wedding band | Left ring finger |
| Camilla | Gold band with heirloom diamonds | Left ring finger |
William’s large signet ring contrasts with the slim wedding bands of Kate, Charles, and Camilla. His pinky ring reflects his unique personality and role within the royal family.
Standing Out
By selecting a non-traditional signet ring instead of a wedding band, Prince William differentiates himself from other royal men. The ring’s bold style and prominent placement suites William’s modern outlook.
Does William Ever Wear Kate’s Engagement Ring?
Prince William does not wear Kate Middleton’s iconic sapphire engagement ring on his finger. The ring has only been worn by female members of the royal family including:
- Princess Diana
- Kate Middleton
- Princess Charlotte
William has never put Kate’s engagement ring on his own hand in public. The striking ring is reserved exclusively for the women in his life including Kate and their daughter Princess Charlotte.
A Meaningful Heirloom
Kate’s ring holds great personal significance for William as it belonged to his beloved late mother. He gifted it to Kate to honor Diana’s memory. The ring remains a powerful symbol of the family’s lineage passing between generations of royal women.
Conclusion
Prince William’s choice not to wear a wedding band reflects his modern, practical approach to royal tradition. By opting for a signet ring better suited to his active duties, William put function above formality. His decision suited his personal lifestyle while still honoring his marriage and family bonds.
Kate Middleton respects her husband’s individual preferences. She does not cling to antiquated expectations about men wearing wedding rings. Ultimately, William prioritizes demonstrating his commitment to Kate through loving gestures and the signet ring’s symbolism.
While traditional wedding rings remain popular for royal grooms today, Prince William proves they are not absolutely necessary. Formulating new personal traditions allows royals like William to find balance between their public roles and private lives. For William and Kate, wedding rings do not define their strong marriage. Their enduring affection and partnership speak for themselves.