Prince Williamโs left ring finger remains bare, a detail that puzzles some, while his wife, Princess Catherine, proudly wears an 18-karat Welsh gold wedding band.
Despite marrying Catherine Middleton in 2011, Prince William has consistently opted not to wear a wedding ring, leaving many curious. However, a palace aide provided an explanation for his choice.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William travel along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace, in London, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Before their grand wedding in 2011, a royal spokeswoman revealed that there was only goingย to be one ringย at the ceremony as per the coupleโs wishes. The wedding band was Catherineโs, crafted from Welsh gold, a design the couple played a role in creating.
A photo shows the wedding and engagement rings worn by Catherine Middleton, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The piece of Welsh gold used to make the glamorous ringย was a giftย from the late Queen Elizabeth II toย Prince Williamย shortly after his engagement to Catherine was announced. The Duke of Cambridge would present the ring in the traditional manner during their wedding ceremony.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William greet well-wishers from the balcony at Buckingham Palace after their wedding, in London, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
When it was announced that only Catherineโs ring would be at the ceremony, many people were curious about why William wasnโt going to wear one.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
A St. James Palace aide explained his reason at the time. Theyย noted, โIt was something the couple discussed but Prince William isnโt one for jewelry โ he doesnโt even wear a signet ring โ and decided he didnโt want to. It really is just down to personal preference.โ
Prince William gives Catherine Middleton her wedding band during their wedding service at Westminster Abbey, in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Another source shared that itย is quite commonย for men in Williamโs social class to forgo a traditional wedding band. When they do wear one, it is often alongside a family signet ring; however, William didnโt possess a signet ring.
Catherine Middleton and Prince William are married by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Penny Junor, author of โThe Duchess: Camilla Parker Bowles and the Love Affair that Rocked the Crown,โ alsoย divulged,โHe doesnโt like jewelry, and the Palace issued a statement before their wedding saying so.โ
Prince William arrives to attend his Royal Wedding to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, around two billion people watched William and his wifeโs wedding, so his marital status is well-known. As Robert Jobson, royal editor of Londonโs โEvening Standard,โย explained, itโs โhis prerogativeโ not to wear a wedding ring.
Catherine Middleton and Prince William leave the Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Diane Clehane, author of โImagining Diana,โ noted that Williamโs decision to follow a traditional approach of not wearing a wedding band rather than a modern one could actually highlight his modernity.
Prince William arrives to attend his Royal Wedding to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Sheย suggestedย that the coupleโs choices, likeย Princess Catherineย omitting โobeyโ from her vows and William choosing not to wear a ring, reflect their confidence in their relationship. It also highlighted their desire to chart their own path, much like many millennial couples.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William greet the crowd on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Unlike his brother,ย Prince Harryย and his wife, Meghan Markle exchanged rings as a symbol of their unendingย love and faithfulness. Their wedding bands are meant to remind them of the vows they exchanged on their special day and the covenant of their marriage.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, places the wedding ring on the finger of Meghan Markle during their wedding ceremony in St Georgeโs Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from the vows and wedding band, Catherine and Williamโs wedding didnโt have more changes. After they exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey, they appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace andย shared kissesย as the gathered crowd watched on.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The pair alsoย enjoyed a receptionย hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and a private dinner in the evening courtesy of King Charles III. The celebratory receptions marked a joyful start to their life together as a royal couple.
