Meghan Markle removes £120k heirloom jewel on public engagement with Prince Harry


The Duchess of Sussex removed her engagement ring, which features Princess Diana's diamonds, during a public outing in Jordan


The Duchess of Sussex side on in black jumper© Getty Images
Katie Daly
Katie DalyLifestyle Writer
Updated: March 3, 2026
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The Duchess of Sussex owns countless stunning pieces of jewellery – but her engagement ring is by far the most special. However, Meghan Markle, 44, stepped out on 26 February, and on a rare occasion, left her ring at home.

Prince Harry and his wife were seen during their two-day visit to Amman in Jordan as they visited the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts (NCRA), with a World Health Organisation delegation. As Ever founder Meghan wore her gold wedding band, but had removed her engagement ring. The Duchess has not publicly addressed the reasons behind this decision.

meghan smiling in taupe coat© PA Images via Getty Images
Meghan chose to not wear her engagement ring

The deeper meaning behind Meghan's jewellery choice

Jessica Flinn-Allen, a jewellery designer with a degree in metalwork and jewellery and 15-plus years of experience in designing and creating fine jewellery, tells us that there could be a poignant reason behind Meghan's choice to omit her ring.

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 15: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (jewellery detail) attends an Invictus Games Friends and Family reception hosted by the City of The Hague and the Dutch Ministry of Defence at Zuiderpark on April 15, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Meghan's upgraded engagement ring features large diamonds

"Jewellery is one of the most powerful forms of non-verbal communication we have, particularly for women in the public eye. An engagement ring isn't just sentimental. It symbolises love and commitment, but it also signals visibility, status and significant value," she tells us. 

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"Choosing not to wear it in certain settings feels intentional. In spaces where people are facing hardship or vulnerability, removing a high-value piece can subtly change the tone," she continues. "It softens the visual contrast and shifts the focus away from wealth and back to human connection."

The jewellery expert adds: "If the absence of a single ring can influence how a visit is perceived, that tells you everything about the power jewellery holds. It is never just decorative. It shapes perception, communicates awareness and can quietly send a deeper message without a word being spoken."

Meghan's engagement ring – all the details

Meghan's ring is visually stunning and holds sentimental value for her husband. It features a central, cushion-cut diamond from Botswana (a special place for the pair as they took a trip to the African country during the early days of their dating before announcing their relationship to the world) and two smaller round-cut diamonds from the personal collection of Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.

Meghan Markle  in the Ascot Landau carriage during a procession after getting married at St Georges Chapel © WPA Pool
Meghan's engagement ring features Princess Diana's diamonds

Since Harry popped the question in 2017, the diamond sparkler has undergone a glow-up. Maxwell Stone, the jewellery expert at Steven Stone, previously told HELLO!: "Over a year later, Meghan updated the ring by replacing the original yellow gold band with a diamond-studded one. The ring features high-quality stones with exceptional clarity, thus, I’d value it at approximately £120,000." 

"In spaces where people are facing hardship or vulnerability, removing a high-value piece of jewellery can subtly change the tone"

Meghan's extra diamond sparkler

Meghan usually rocks a diamond pinky ring, but she also chose to omit this piece for an extra minimalist look. It's unclear when the former Suits star acquired this ring, but she has been seen wearing it on a number of occasions, including the Launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness in November 2024.

Meghan also wore the ring to the Launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness on November 14, 2024© Getty Images
Meghan also wore the ring to the Launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness on November 14, 2024

"The shape of the diamond cut represents stability and strength, which is particularly fitting for Meghan, who has faced a series of hardships since she and Prince Harry made the decision to withdraw from the royal family," Maxwell Stone told us.

A minimalist look

The pared-back jewellery choice paired perfectly with Meghan's chosen outfit for the engagement in Amman. Opting for quiet luxury with her understated ensemble, Meghan rocked slim-fit black trousers with the 'ZW Collection Wool-blend Topstitched Jacket' from high-street label, Zara.

Meghan in taupe funnel-neck jacket descending steps with prince harry with people behind them© PA Images via Getty Images
Meghan dressed down Chanel with a Zara jacket

The gorgeous Zara jacket, which currently retails for £109, featured an ultra-trendy funnel neck and oversized sleeves. She blended her high-low look by adding a touch of luxury in the form of block-heel Chanel pumps. 

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