Two important royal traditions are allegedly broken by Prince Harry’s wedding ring.
Prince Harry, according to Rachel Russell of Express, is the first male member of the royal family to wear a wedding ring. When he married Kate Middleton in 2011, his older brother, Prince William, chose not to wear one.
Prince William, like his grandfather, would not wear a ring because he “isn’t one for jewellery”
After his marriage to Princess Diana, Prince Charles never wore a ring either.
Prince Harry, unlike his grandfather, Prince Philip, and his brother, Prince William, has chosen to wear a wedding ring, defying family custom.
Wedding rings in the royal family are often crafted of Welsh gold, according to People. Although Meghan has switched to a gold wedding band, Harry has chosen a platinum band, defying custom once more.
Russell claims that the Queen Mother began the custom of royal brides wearing wedding rings crafted from a single lump of rare Welsh gold in 1923. All royal brides, like Markle, have done so.
Prince Harry’s wedding band, on the other hand, is not made of Welsh gold. Rather, platinum materials were used because that is what he wants.
The author of “Duchess,” Penny Junor, told Vogue in May that Prince Harry’s choice to wear a wedding ring has a big explanation.
“I think it shows as if proof were needed, that Harry is the least conventional member of the royal family. Harry’s chosen to do what most married men do today. I like it,” he said.
OTHER FIRSTS
THE KISS
“While the British public were denied a balcony kiss due to the location, their kiss upon leaving St. George’s Chapel was the first ever royal kiss to be had on the steps outside the West Door, despite it being the location for many a royal wedding previously,” according to Bridebook (via Cosmopolitan).
AN AMERICAN BISHOP
It’s the first time an american bishop has spoken at a royal wedding.
“We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love,” Rev. Michael Curry said, “and when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world.” The Most Rev. Michael Curry gave an intense sermon to the wedding guests, quoting Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.
