Meghan Markle's fear of 'bigger strain' on relationship with Prince William behind missing engagement ring
Meghan Markle has not worn her engagement ring recently
Reuters / PA
Meghan Markle may be "deliberately" not wearing her engagement ring, in a bid to avoid a "bigger strain" on her relationship with Prince William, according to a jewellery expert.
The Duchess of Sussex never wore the piece of jewellery during the Invictus Games in September or on her recent outing in New York City, which contains two jewels from the late Princess Diana's collection.
The Prince of Wales is protective over his mother's legacy, so Meghan's missing engagement ring is said to have worried the 41-year-old.
Laura Taylor, an engagement ring specialist at Lorel Diamonds, spoke exclusively to GB News to explain why William is worried.
Meghan Markle did not wear her engagement ring during the Invictus Games
PA
Meghan did not wear her engagement ring in NYC
Reuters
She claimed: “Prince William's concern over the diamonds from his mother's collection, featured in Meghan's engagement ring, is understandable.
"However, this isn’t the first time Meghan has been seen without her engagement ring, and each time previously the ring has reappeared with Diana’s jewels still intact.
“Prince William’s worry over Diana’s diamonds may be playing a role in Meghan’s decision to not wear the ring.
"Meghan may be keeping the ring safe to avoid losing Diana’s diamonds, knowing that if they were misplaced it would put an even bigger strain on the relationship between the two families.”
Meghan Markle is instead wearing her wedding and eternity rings
PA
Harry and Meghan became engaged in 2017
PA
Taylor explained why the duchess's engagement ring was missing in the first place.
“Meghan's engagement ring has been missing for a few months, with some sources suggesting it's simply being repaired," the commentator added.
"Given that she redesigned the ring to include a detailed micro pavé band in 2019, which is known to be susceptible to knocks, this theory holds weight and was likely the case to begin with.
“Considering the intense public focus on the ring lately, I believe that the absence of her engagement ring is now a deliberate choice.
WATCH NOW: Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games
“People in the spotlight are always a target for thieves so it is likely that the ring is being kept somewhere to ensure it stays safe.
"Keeping the ring locked away not only stops it from being damaged and needing to be fixed again, but it also keeps their family and Diana’s diamonds safe.
“Their travels this summer could also be a reason for added caution, with Meghan possibly choosing to keep the ring in a secure place while on the move.
“We all saw what happened to Kim Kardashian in Paris, so it is a sensible decision to not travel with such a valuable item. If this is the case, we may see it reappear as we get into the holiday season and the family are at home more."
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Meghan Markle likely takes great care of Princess Diana's jewellery
PA
Taylor argued that royal fans should focus more on the jewellery Meghan continues to wear, despite not wearing her engagement ring.
She explained: “Many people have been focused on what the missing engagement ring means about Harry and Meghan’s marriage, and in doing so they have missed a big clue. Meghan is still wearing the diamond eternity band Harry designed in 2019 for their wedding anniversary.
"The ring features their family’s birthstones and celebrates making it through the tumultuous first year of their marriage, meaning that it likely holds a higher sentimental value to Meghan.
"The fact that she is still wearing this ring is her way of showing the public that their marriage and their family unit is still strong."