Meghan Markle's engagement ring, a touching tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has been conspicuously absent from her finger in recent public appearances. This has ignited a flurry of speculation and intrigue among royal watchers and the media.
The Duchess of Sussex's ring, designed by Prince Harry, is symbolic in many ways. It features a central stone sourced from Botswana, a country close to the couple's heart, flanked by two diamonds from Princess Diana's personal collection. "The ring is yellow gold because that’s [Meghan’s] favorite... and the little diamonds on either side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure that she’s with us on this — on this crazy journey together," Prince Harry had shared in a previous broadcast.
Meghan herself has spoken about the significance of the ring, emphasizing how it ensures Diana's inclusion in their marital journey. "Everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness and the inclusion of [Princess Diana’s stones] and obviously not being able to meet his mom, it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us," she remarked.
However, the ring's recent absence has led to rampant speculation. Some suggest that the Montecito royals are living separate lives and contemplating divorce. Royal author Tom Bower weighed in, stating, "I think recent photographs have shown Meghan is happy without Harry, and Harry is happy without Meghan, so what is going to happen when they get back together? There’s a clash of cultures, but they will have to one way or another reconcile it."
In contrast, a source close to the Sussexes has offered a more mundane explanation: the ring is merely being serviced after a setting came loose. This claim, however, has been met with skepticism given the prolonged period Meghan has been without the ring.
Amidst this whirlwind of rumors, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently attending the sixth Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Here, Meghan has been spotted wearing only her gold wedding ring, further fueling speculations. Some argue that her choice to wear the wedding band, despite the absence of the engagement ring, contradicts claims that the couple is facing marital issues.
The couple's connection to Princess Diana remains evident. They've been vocal about the influence and impact of Harry's late mother on their lives. In 2022, Harry even took Meghan to visit Diana's grave, highlighting the deep bond and reverence they hold for the People's Princess. "So much of what Meghan is and how she is so similar to my mom. She has the same compassion. She has the same empathy. She has the same confidence. She has this warmth about her," Harry once wrote.
As the world continues to watch and speculate, the mystery of the missing ring adds another layer to the enigmatic lives of the Sussexes. Whether it's a simple case of jewelry repair or a deeper sign of marital strain remains to be seen.