Meghan Markle's attempt to upstage Princess Catherine with a strikingly similar sapphire ring has backfired, as the Duchess of Sussex faces backlash and a rejected security funding request. The ring, debuted in a promotional video for her lifestyle brand As Ever, closely resembles the iconic 12-carat sapphire engagement ring once owned by Princess Diana and now worn by Catherine.
Anniversary Gift Sparks Controversy
The Duchess of Sussex showcased the ring in a teaser clip on May 11, eight days before her eighth wedding anniversary with Prince Harry on May 19. The dark blue jewel surrounded by diamonds drew immediate comparisons to the Princess of Wales' engagement ring, which Prince William gave to Catherine in 2012. That ring, originally chosen by Princess Diana from Garrard in 1981, is valued at approximately £390,000.
Royal fans quickly noted the resemblance, interpreting it as a jealous swipe at Catherine. Meghan's own engagement ring, designed by Prince Harry, features a central cushion-cut diamond from Botswana and two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana's collection, worth an estimated £120,000—£270,000 less than Catherine's ring.
Prince Harry's Memoir Revelations
In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry revealed that his brother William had asked for their mother's sapphire ring after her death in 1997, and Harry did not object. However, the new ring suggests a change of heart, with critics accusing the couple of deliberately provoking the Prince and Princess of Wales.
“It simply comes across as plain old jealousy that Meghan couldn't have the late Princess' iconic engagement ring,” wrote Bethany Whittingham in a commentary. “I simply can't fathom any other reason why the Prince would gift his wife such a strikingly similar ring on their anniversary, if not to anger his estranged brother and sister-in-law.”
Karmic Ramifications
The backlash has been compounded by the rejection of Prince Harry's request for taxpayer-funded security during their upcoming UK visit for the Invictus Games. The decision has led to speculation that the Duke may not bring his wife and children, Archie and Lilibet, on the trip.
“They're already feeling the karmic ramifications of their actions after their request for a protection order to be paid through taxpayer contributions was rejected last week,” Whittingham added. The couple's use of royal connections in brand videos, including glimpses of their California life and children, has also drawn criticism.
Public Opinion Divided
As the couple prepares for their UK return, public opinion remains divided. Some commentators suggest that Meghan's aggressive tactics will only heighten family tensions. “Well, I, for one, would rather that the Hollywood wannabes remain in the US,” Whittingham concluded. “Family tensions are high enough as it is without adding further fuel to the flames.”
