Meghan Markle Raises Eyebrows After Skipping an Important Accessory During UK Visit
Meghan Markle was perfectly dressed for her monumental Nottingham outing on Thursday, but one small detail might have stolen attention from the attire.
Meghan Markle made headlines on Thursday with her first public appearance in the UK since her return. Pictures of her and Prince Harry meeting fans, attending important engagements, and participating in various activities immediately flooded social media. However, one tiny detail seemed to take all the attention: the absence of Markle’s engagement ring.
The Duchess of Sussex, who usually flaunts hand jewelry, including her engagement ring, was spotted wearing her Welsh gold wedding band and her fitness ring, which she had previously sported during shoots for her Advent Calendar and sweatshirt. But former royal butler Grant Harrold told InStyle that it was “not unusual” for royal women to not wear their “huge engagement rings”. He further added, “Both (Kate Middleton) and Meghan leaving them at home regularly over the years.”
Markle’s outing in Nottingham this week marked a historic first. The last time she undertook a public event in the UK was in 2022, when she attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service. Given the significance of her recent appearance, the Duchess’s iconic engagement ring would have been a perfect accessory. While the reason behind her choice to forgo it is unclear, Harrold has a theory. “While we don’t know for sure why Meghan isn’t wearing hers in Nottingham, I would assume it’s because she’s wearing a fitness ring instead,” he said.
Markle’s engagement ring has been created as a tribute to Princess Diana and the couple’s special connection to Botswana. So, just like Middleton’s, her ring also carries immense emotional weight, prompting the former butler to say, “Prioritizing a fitness tracker over a historic ring with a huge sentimental significance is an interesting choice — especially for such a landmark occasion.”
Apart from the missing engagement ring, the Duchess’s outfit was perfectly curated for her milestone outing in the UK. All clothing items were from British designers. Her maroon wool-and-cashmere trench coat, brown turtleneck, and earrings were from the luxury brand Joseph. Her wine-colored skirt was from The Fold London, and her dark heels were by Jennifer Chamandi. She completed the look with a neat, fuss-free ponytail and a brown belt.
Retracing their royal roots, the pair visited community groups and centers that hold a special meaning for them and were seen smiling throughout. Their first royal engagement in 2017 was also in Nottingham, making it a wonderful full-circle moment.
