While it’s common knowledge among royal fans that Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother, Princess Diana’s, engagement right, it might surprise some to learn that Will wasn’t the person who inherited the iconic ring.
Prince Harry actually inherited Diana’s engagement ring when she died in 1997, but “selflessly” offered it to his brother for his engagement to Kate, Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell explains in a new documentary. “Harry said to him: ‘Wouldn’t it be fitting if she had mummy’s ring?'” Burrell says in the documentary.
When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton, he did so with a truly iconic piece of royal jewelry: The same sapphire engagement ring that had belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana. This is common knowledge among royal fans. What’s less common knowledge? Apparently, Diana’s ring wasn’t actually Will’s to give. According to a new report from The Sun, Will’s younger brother, Prince Harry, was actually the person who inherited the iconic ring. Apparently, when Diana died in 1997, Harry was allowed to select his favorite piece from their mom’s jewelry collection—and he selected the sapphire engagement ring.