Why this royal won't wear a wedding ring
Lady Gabriella Windsor married Thomas Kingston this weekend at Windsor Castle's opulent St George's Chapel, the same place Prince Harry wed Meghan Markle just one year ago.
But as the newlyweds stepped out into the sun on the chapel steps, eagle-eyed royal fans realised something was missing from the picture: the groom’s wedding ring.
Lady Gabriella Windsor and Mr Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel on May 18, 2019. Getty
Though the idea of a man not wearing his wedding band may seem shocking at first, it's not an uncommon practice among royal men.
Men only started wearing wedding rings in the mid-20th century, with many choosing to wear them during World War II as a reminder of their wives and families at home.
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The tradition then stuck, with most husbands these days choosing to don a wedding band after marrying. However, many royal men still choose to go bare-handed.
Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth just two years after World War II ended, and as such didn't feel the need to hop on the new bandwagon of men wearing wedding rings.
Prince Charles stacks his wedding ring under his signet on his left pinkie. PA/AAP
Prince Charles went a different route and has always worn his wedding band on his pinkie finger, stacked under his signet ring, opting to wear the band but keep it somewhat hidden.
And while Prince William kept with tradition by not wearing a wedding band, Harry happily showed off his own ring after marrying Meghan last year.
Prince Harry has always been happy to wear his wedding band. PA/AAP
Harry and Meghan have always been known as a more affectionate royal couple, often holding hands in public, so it seems fitting the sentimental Duke would want to wear his ring as a symbol of their connection.
But don't be fooled into thinking that means William and Kate are any less in love.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reportedly discussed the topic of William's ring before their wedding.
Never a fan of jewellery, Prince William opts not to wear a ring. AP/AAP
The groom-to-be confessed he'd never been one for jewellery and didn't even wear a signet ring, so Kate was fine with him opting out of a wedding band too.
The couple weren't in attendance on Saturday for Lady Gabriella's wedding, however Harry and his cousin Princess Beatrice both appeared to celebrate with their royal family.
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