It's a detail that has probably passed you by in the decade since Prince William and Kate Middleton were married, but look closely at a photograph of the Duke of Cambridge, and you'll notice that Wills never wears a wedding ring. If you missed it, you're not the only one as ' Why doesn't Prince William wear his wedding ring?' is a top Google search. The topic was resurfaced this week when The Duke of Cambridge launched his Earthshot prize and eagle-eyed fans noticed that his ring finger was conspicuously empty.
Despite being clearly devoted to his wife and young family, William has chosen to side step this particular decision – and there’s a simple reason behind his choice: he simply doesn’t like wearing jewellery of any form (so that rules out the possibility of matching bracelets, a la younger brother Harry and Meghan Markle, then…)
At the time of Kate and William’s 2011 wedding, a palace spokesperson explained William’s choice, revealing that the Prince had discussed the issue with his fiancée before deciding that ‘he’s not one for jewellery. He’s never worn any. He decided he didn’t want to wear one now. It’s all down to personal preference.’
William’s decision isn’t without royal precedent. His grandfather Prince Philip, who has been happily married to the Queen for the best part of seven decades, doesn’t wear a ring either, though Prince Charles does wear a wedding band.
The Duchess of Cambridge, meanwhile, sports a simple wedding band made with gold taken from the Clogau St David's mine in Bontddu, North Wales - just like the rings worn by Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother – along with her sapphire engagement ring, which originally belonged to William’s mother.
WATCH: The Most Stylish Celebrity Weddings
READ MORE: Kate Middleton And Prince William Have Announced A Major Move
READ MORE: 12 Quotes From Prince William Everyone Can Learn From
READ MORE: This Is Why Kate And Wills Never Hold Hands In Public