The announcement of the engagements of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, garnered significant attention and anticipation from the public. These events marked the commencement of a period of heightened interest and speculation surrounding the impending royal nuptials.
In November 2010, Prince William and Kate Middleton formally announced their engagement, posing for photographs at St. James’s Palace in London. This revelation served as the catalyst for months of eager anticipation leading up to their wedding ceremony. Similarly, in November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared the joyous news of their engagement with the world.
As Robert Hardman, a renowned royal expert, aptly described, the announcement of a royal engagement is akin to a “starting gun,” igniting a wave of excitement and curiosity among the public. From the design of the bridal gown to the selection of bridesmaids and best man, and even the location of the ceremony, every detail becomes a subject of intense interest and speculation. The public’s enthusiasm often manifests in the form of street parties and celebratory gatherings, reflecting the profound significance of these events.
Indeed, the engagements of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, captured the imagination of the nation and the world, ushering in a period of fervent anticipation and celebration.
The newly engaged Prince William and Kate Middleton provided insights into their romantic engagement during an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby. They revealed that William proposed to Kate during a holiday in Kenya, a location with sentimental significance as it was where Prince Charles had taken William and his brother Harry shortly after their mother Princess Diana’s passing. William explained his choice, stating, “When deciding where best to propose to Catherine, I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee.”
William also shared that he had carried Princess Diana’s engagement ring, crafted by Royal jeweller Garrard, in his rucksack for three weeks leading up to the proposal, jokingly adding, “I knew if this thing disappeared, I’d be in a lot of trouble.” Their official engagement photo was captured at St James’s Palace by renowned photographer Mario Testino, who admitted to waiting patiently for an extended period to capture the perfect shot, saying, “I waited a long time, an hour or two, to make that picture perfect.”
The iconic image naturally accentuated the ring, featuring a resplendent Ceylon sapphire encircled by 14 scintillating diamonds, which was resized for an optimal fit by the esteemed jewelers G. Collins and Sons.
Seven years hence, it was William’s brother, Prince Harry, who precipitated a media frenzy with his engagement announcement to the American actress Meghan Markle. They joyously unveiled their news from the sun-drenched gardens of Kensington Palace in November 2017.
“I bore witness to the scene in the garden, and it felt like the dawn of a brand new era for the royals,” reminisces author Robert. “The excitement was palpable, and everyone yearned to partake in it.”
Meghan’s engagement ring boasted a Botswana diamond flanked by two smaller stones from Princess Diana’s collection. In 2019, Meghan bestowed her ring with an update, replacing the original gold band with one adorned with a delicate pave of precious gems.
