Eagle-eyed royal watchers have noticed a potential change in King Charles' iconic signet ring, as seen in a new portrait unveiled by the Princess Royal at the Scottish Parliament on Friday. The image shows the 76-year-old monarch at Balmoral Castle, wearing a traditional kilt and holding a handcrafted walking stick. However, attention has focused on his pinky finger, where he appears to be wearing a different signet ring.
Charles has long been known for wearing a gold signet ring bearing the Prince of Wales emblem, a piece over 175 years old that was reportedly a gift from his uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor. But in the new photograph, some observers believe the coat of arms on the ring resembles one once worn by his father, Prince Philip, which featured the Greek royal family's crest.
Jewellery historian Helen Dimmick previously explained the significance of Charles' original ring, noting its heraldic badge of three ostrich feathers with the motto 'Ich Dien' (I serve). The potential switch has sparked discussion on social media, with a Reddit thread dedicated to the speculation. Some commenters suggest the new ring may be a personal tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh.
King Charles typically wears his wedding ring from Queen Camilla nestled beneath the signet ring on his left pinky, a practice he also followed during his marriage to Princess Diana. However, in the new portrait, the signet ring appears alone, adding to the intrigue.
