Prince William liked it so much he put a ring on it. Kate Middleton might not be afforded the same opportunity.
Word leaked out from Buckingham Palace this morning that the future king has opted to eschew the relatively modern tradition of what's known as a double-ring ceremony.
In other words, he ain't gonna wear a wedding ring.
Sure, the practice only became popular circa World War II, but would the most eligible bachelor in the world (technically, until April 29) really avoid the universal symbol of his commitment? And as cool as Kate seems, could she really be cool with that? (Unadorned) pinkies up, everyone, because this rumor is…
So true! Maybe as future king, he's decided there are enough gilded accoutrements in his future?
To be fair, "refuse" may be too strong a word, but there's no getting around that the ring bearer's pillow will be a little bit lighter than they first expected on the stroll up Westminster Abbey's aisle.
"There is only going to be one ring, in accordance with the couple's wishes," a palace spokeswoman stated this morning.
Eh, kinda makes sense, right? Sure, a ring is a universal symbol to the world that one is taken—but come April 30, we challenge you to find anyone who would need to look at Prince William's hand to know that he was, indeed, a married man.
Still, while perhaps slightly unusual, the practice of men choosing not to wear a band isn't without precedent—and certainly not in the royal family. Prince Charles didn't wear one after he married Diana, though he does wear one currently for his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles (though it's often slightly concealed under his signet ring). Prince Philip, too, opted not to wear one following his wedding to Queen Elizabeth, and Princes Andrew and Edward have both eschewed a wedding band in favor of donning their signet rings as well.
But Kate? Well, she's picking up the slack and wearing enough ring for the both of them. In addition to her stunner of a sapphire engagement ring, word broke today that she will be upholding the royal family tradition of having her wedding band made out of Welsh gold.
A small amount of the mineral has been kept in a royal vault and has been used in every royal family wedding since the late Queen Mother's in 1923, including in rings for Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana. The bit of gold that will be used to make Middleton's ring was given to the Prince as a gift by his grandmother. (That'd be the Queen.)
Unlike the secrecy surrounding her dress, the details, design and sourcing of Kate's band will be released prior to the ceremony, but for those that just can't wait, the band will likely have a slight pink or rosey tinge to it, as the rare Welsh gold comes from a mine that's abundant in copper.
It will also most likely be crafted by Clogau Gold, the Palace's preferred jewelers, though they have remained mum on whether or not their services have been requested. They have, however, been open in offering their services to the palace, saying that they would "delight in this tradition being continued" through the wedding.
Now that's how you stay discreet.