Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of royal fan speculation after her engagement ring was noticeably missing during a recent public engagement. The event in question took place as Meghan marked International Day of the Girl with a visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, an organization dedicated to providing mentorship and support to young girls in need of guidance and empowerment.
During her solo visit—without Prince Harry by her side—Meghan actively participated in a range of activities with the girls, including drawing, crafts, and other hands-on engagements. She was dressed casually but elegantly for the occasion, donning a pair of white wide-legged trousers and a Ralph Lauren blue shirt, accessorized with a stack of bracelets and a simple necklace. Yet, what stood out most to keen royal watchers wasn’t her choice of attire, but rather the absence of her iconic engagement ring, a piece of jewelry that has been closely associated with her since Prince Harry proposed in 2017.
Though Meghan’s wedding band was still in place, her decision to leave her engagement ring behind sparked a wave of concern and curiosity across social media platforms, where royal fans debated the possible reasons for its absence.
Social Media Erupts With Concern Over Meghan’s ‘Missing’ Engagement Ring
As images of Meghan at the event circulated online, eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that her engagement ring, featuring a central cushion-cut diamond from Botswana and two side stones from Princess Diana’s personal collection, was missing. This led many royal watchers to take to social media and speculate about why Meghan might have chosen not to wear the ring on this particular outing.
One fan tweeted, “I find this odd because Meghan usually always wears her engagement ring unless she’s at a hospital or in a setting where it’s unsafe for patients. I wonder why she’s not wearing it today.” This comment echoed the thoughts of many, as it’s well-known that Meghan is almost always seen wearing her engagement ring, especially at public events.
Another social media user speculated that Meghan might be imitating Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton), who, on occasion, has also stepped out without her famous sapphire engagement ring, especially when engaging in more practical or hands-on activities. The fan wrote, “If this wasn’t filmed last week, I’d wonder if Meghan is copying Catherine again by not wearing her engagement ring and just her wedding and eternity bands. She did drop it last year, though, so who knows.”
However, it wasn’t just concerns about her mimicking the Princess of Wales that dominated the conversation. Some fans suggested that Meghan has never been particularly fond of the engagement ring Harry designed for her. This sentiment was echoed by one royal watcher who stated, “I don’t think she’s ever liked her engagement ring. It’s not big and flashy enough for her. Even after she had the band altered to suit her tastes.”
Meghan’s Engagement Ring and Its Alterations: A Look Back
Meghan’s engagement ring, a stunning and meaningful piece, has been a topic of discussion ever since the couple’s engagement was announced. The ring, designed by Prince Harry himself, features a central stone sourced from Botswana, a country deeply significant to the couple. In addition, the two smaller side stones came from the personal collection of Princess Diana, adding an emotional and historical element to the ring’s design.
Initially, the ring had a yellow gold band, which Meghan wore regularly. However, in mid-2019, reports emerged that Meghan had altered the band. The yellow gold was replaced with a thinner diamond-encrusted band, a move that led some royal observers to speculate that the Duchess wasn’t fully satisfied with the original design.
At the time, some fans criticized the change, suggesting that altering such a sentimental piece diminished its emotional value. Others, however, defended Meghan, stating that many women make changes to their rings to better fit their personal style or preferences.
One royal commentator remarked, “It’s common for women to update their engagement rings, especially if they want something more reflective of their personal style. Meghan’s decision to change the band doesn’t mean she doesn’t love the ring—she simply made it her own.”
Criticism of Meghan’s Engagement Ring: Is It Not Glamorous Enough?
Speculation about Meghan’s engagement ring goes beyond just its physical alterations. Some fans have argued that Meghan may feel that the ring isn’t “Hollywood” enough for her taste. One royal watcher said, “I don’t think she’s ever liked her engagement ring. It’s not big and flashy enough for her. Even after she had the band altered.”
Another fan added, “It’s probably not glam enough for her Hollywood tastes. After all, it’s no 14-carat sapphire ring like Catherine’s.” This comment referenced Princess Catherine’s sapphire engagement ring, which previously belonged to Princess Diana and is one of the most famous engagement rings in the world. Comparisons between the two rings have been made repeatedly, with some fans believing Meghan may prefer something more bold and dramatic.
Further adding to the criticism, one social media user commented, “Meghan Markle always seemed to be embarrassed by her engagement ring—Harry’s design. I don’t think she ever liked it. In the early stages of her marriage, she had the ring altered, not in size but with the setting. After that, she has rarely worn it. It’s probably not Hollywood glam or big enough.”
Supporters Defend Meghan’s Decision Not to Wear the Engagement Ring
Despite the wave of concern and speculation surrounding Meghan’s missing engagement ring, several fans came to her defense, pointing out that many women choose not to wear their engagement rings all the time, for various reasons.
One fan commented, “Let us know when Meghan Markle ditches her wedding band. Until then, not wearing the engagement ring is a non-issue. It’s perfectly normal for women to take their rings off when they feel like it.”
Another fan added, “Seriously. Many women don’t wear their engagement ring ALL the time! Plenty of times, I’d put mine in our safe and just wear my wedding band. I’d wear it on special occasions or going to dinner with the husband. It’s no big whoop for Meghan not to wear her ring.”
Supporters emphasized that engagement rings, while symbolic, are often taken off for comfort, practicality, or personal reasons, and that Meghan’s decision to appear without it doesn’t necessarily carry any deeper meaning.
A Personal Choice?
As of now, neither Meghan nor Prince Harry has addressed the absence of the engagement ring, leaving fans to continue speculating. However, it’s worth noting that Meghan has been seen without the ring on several occasions, particularly since altering the band in 2019. This has led some to wonder if the Duchess simply prefers to keep the ring for special events, or if she finds it less practical for everyday wear.
While speculation continues, one thing remains clear: Meghan’s engagement ring, its alterations, and the symbolism behind it will likely remain a topic of discussion for royal watchers. Until Meghan offers a direct explanation, it seems that her engagement ring—whether present or absent—will continue to spark conversation among fans and critics alike.
Meghan’s Commitment to Public Service
Despite the ongoing curiosity over her engagement ring, Meghan’s commitment to public service remains strong. Her visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on International Day of the Girl highlights her dedication to causes that matter to her, particularly the empowerment of young women and girls. During her visit, Meghan participated in various activities, speaking with the girls and encouraging them to pursue their dreams, reinforcing her role as an advocate for women’s rights and education.
In the grand scheme of things, whether or not Meghan chooses to wear her engagement ring may be less important than the work she continues to do as a public figure and advocate. Still, for royal fans, it’s a small detail that has sparked a big conversation.
