Sophie Wessex’ engagement ring has a special link to both Meghan and Kate

sophie wessex kate middleton
(Image credit: Getty)

Each royal engagement ring in the royal family has its own special significance and history. We of course all know about Kate Middleton's ring, which originally belonged to Princess Diana and was passed onto Prince Harry when she died, who later touchingly gave it to his brother so he could propose to Kate.

Speaking of Prince Harry, we also know the touching story behind Meghan Markle's engagement ring, and how he designed it using diamonds from his late mother's collection, and a central conflict-free diamond from Botswana, where the couple reportedly got engaged.

There is one less talked-about ring in the family though, one which has an unexpected link to both Meghan and Kate.

I am referring to Sophie, Countess of Wessex's ring. Prince Edward proposed to her in 1999, and turned to royal jewellers Garrard to buy the ring.

sophie wessex ring

Getty
(Image credit: Getty)

This isn't the first time this jewellery has created something for the Royal family. It is the same jeweller Prince Charles chose for Princess Diana's sapphire design, thus linking it to Kate Middleton too.

Then there is the design of it, which features a central oval two-carat diamond flanked by two smaller, heart-shaped diamonds, set on a white gold band.

It's such a classic and romantic design that is very reminiscent of Meghan Markle's own ring.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.