Meghan Markle ring redesign caused outrage – but these other royals changed their rings

Meghan Markle’s engagement ring was redesigned, a fact that seemed to shock some fans of the Royal Family.

In fact, the Duchess of Sussex’s decision drew some criticism.

The Duchess of Sussex added a pave diamond band to her sparkling gem from the Prince, which features a huge central diamond from Botswana.

It also features two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection.

Meghan Markle’s engagement ring drew some negative comments from the public. 

Editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine Ingrid Seward told Fabulous: “I find it a bit odd Meghan would want to alter a ring that her husband had especially designed for her.

“A royal engagement ring is a piece of history not a bit of jewellery to be updated when it looks old fashioned.”

But Meghan is far from the first royal bride to change up her engagement ring, in fact many women all over the world choose to do this.

Princess Diana changed her sapphire and engagement ring from Garrad, adding more prongs to the design.

Another royal to update her engagement ring designer was Princess Mary of Denmark, 47, often pointed to due to her resemblance to Kate Middleton.

Mary was given a ring with a large central diamond and two rubies. She later added two more smaller diamonds.

Grace Kelly, who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, had her ring upgraded by her partner.

He proposed with a relatively modest eternity ring, but later bought her a huge 12 carat diamond to fit her Hollywood superstar image.

Meghan Markle’s new ring featured even more diamonds than before after the redesign.

Ailsa Russell Appraiser Prestige Pawnbrokers of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn said: “Meghan’s ring features two brilliant cut diamonds of approximately 0.75ct each from Harry’s mother’s diamond jewellery.

“These are set either side of a stunning cushion cut diamond of approximately 3.5cts.”

Ailsa claimed the central stone had not changed like many suspected.

He said: “I do not think she has changed the stone, it was always more of a rectangle, and not an emerald cut.

“The stunning new addition of a pave set band gives the ring a more dainty appearance, although this will not massively increase the cost.

“The ring would still be estimated in the region of £250,000.”

Who is Meghan Markle? Quick profile

Meghan Markle was born Rachel Meghan Markle, on August 4, 1981 to parents Doria Ragland and father Thomas Markle.

Her father was previously married to Roslyn Loveless and Meghan has two elder half sibling – sister Samantha Markle and brother Thomas Markle Junior.

Actress

Meghan’s first television appearance in the USA was in an episode of the medical drama General Hospital in 2002.

She later moved on to roles in CSI, Without a Trace and Castle along with bit parts in Hollywood films including Get Him to the Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses.

Meghan was also a “briefcase girl” on Deal or No Deal – but her most famous role was as Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, which launched in 2011.

She was written out in the finale of the seventh series when her character got married, which aired in April 2018 – just before she got married herself.

Charity and humanitarian work

Meghan Markle’s career in television has gone hand-in-hand with her support for causes close to her heart.

She wrote about the stigma around menstrual health in an article for Time magazine and was a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada – with whom she travelled to Rwanda for the charity’s Clean Water Campaign.

And her commitment to gender equality has seen her work with the United Nations – receiving a standing ovation in 2015 for her speech to mark International Women’s Day.

Relationships

In September 2011, she wed film producer Trevor Engelson, who she began dating in 2004.

But the pair divorced two years later in August 2013, citing irreconcilable difference.

She was in a relationship with celebrity chef Cory Vitiello for almost two years, before they broke it off in 2016 but the two remain good friends.

And in June 2016, she met Prince Harry on a blind date set up by a mutual friend.

Their relationship began in October that year and just over one year later, on November 27, 2017, the pair announced their engagement.

They married on May 19, 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Meghan’s heritage

Some have claimed Meghan Markle is the first mixed-race member of the Royal Family.

Historians are still arguing about Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.

But Meghan will be the first royal to openly embrace a mixed-race heritage.

She has written about the difficulties of being a biracial actress in Hollywood as she claims she is not black enough for some roles and not white enough for others.