Prince Harry's Wedding Ring Breaks Royal Tradition, But There's A Deep Meaning Behind It

Royals | Celebrity

Prince Harry's Wedding Ring Breaks Royal Tradition, But There's A Deep Meaning Behind It

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The rings presented to royal women like Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton on their engagements and wedding days have been some of the most talked about pieces of jewelry in the world.

But have you noticed that no one pays attention to what their husbands have on their fingers? Well, that's because there is nothing there to grab our attentions.

Although they are happily married, Prince Philip and Prince William have all opted out of wearing bands after tying the knot.

In Prince Williams case, after his highly-publicized wedding in 2011, a palace spokesperson explained that his decision was based on "personal preference." Adding that "it was something that the couple discussed but Prince William isn't one for jewelry."

His father, Prince Charles has been seen wearing his ring after marrying Camilla Parker-Bowles, but not on the expected finger. He has it on his pinky behind his signet ring.

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Not wearing a wedding band has been a longstanding tradition among upper class British men, including blue-bloods. Also, interestingly enough, in Britain men didn't start wearing wedding rings until the Second World War.

"It is code, like so many of these things . . . there is a group of upper-class people who think the less of that stuff you wear the better, less bling," Peter York, coauthor of The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook, told The Telegraph.

However, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married this past May, they chose to do a lot of things on their own terms, many of which broke protocol.

During the ceremony, Meghan wasn't he only one to receive a band. Although unusual, Harry was also presented with a ring.

The Duke of Sussex has since been spotted wearing a platinum band (this goes against the norm of wearing classic Welsh gold), which not only signifies his commitment to the former actress, it also represents something deeper.

"I think it shows, as if proof were needed, that Harry is the least conventional member of the Royal Family," Penny Junor, author of The Duchess, told Vogue. "Harry's chosen to do what most married men do today. I like it."

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Both Meghan and Harry have been known to not play by the royal rules. They have on multiple occasions picked modernity over tradition, and this has been evident in things like the way Meghan dresses or Harry speaking out about his mental health.

The ring not only symbolizes their union, it also reminds them and everyone else that while they do abide by certain etiquette, they also don't always play by the archaic rules.

Meghan and Harry are reshaping the royal family with their new perspectives and bringing the monarchy into modern times.

Do you think it's okay for men to opt out of wearing a wedding ring? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Blair isn't a bestselling author, but she has a knack for beautiful prose. When she isn't writing for Shared, she enjoys listening to podcasts.