Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring & The Princess Diana Connection

Now that photos are popping up all over the Internet of Kate’s engagement ring, the speculation of the tone and feel of the wedding begins with fervor. It is indeed the same ring that Princess Diana wore on her wedding day back in 1981 to Prince Charles. “Kate Middleton, the future Princess Catherine, debuted her engagement ring at St. James’s Palace in London on Tuesday,” says The Huffington Post. Those of us in the bridal business will be buzzing for months as one detail at a time of the 2011 Royal Wedding is planned and revealed. What kind of invitations will the Royals choose? What bridal designer will design Kate Middleton’s wedding gown? Vera Wang? Monique Lhuillier? Or could it be Oscar de la Renta? Or perhaps a designer from the UK like Ian Stuart? Will the entire wedding being a spectacle or a more understated affair? We in the States love a great fairytale and now 2011 brides in America will have something to be inspired by! By the way, Princess Diana’s engagement ring cost about £30,000 or $47,000 in 1981 and is made from 14 diamonds encircling a sapphire.

Royal Wedding Announcement

Royal Wedding Announcement

After 8 years of dating, Prince William and Kate Middleton will finally tie the knot in Spring/Summer 2011. The William-Kate wedding which will undoubtedly reignite everyone’s memory of Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981 to Prince Charles, is sure to the wedding of the year! The royal announcement came from Buckingham Palace.

The news officially broke very early this morning by Clarence House, but Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton were officially engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya. Prince William first sought permission of Miss Middleton’s father. The British Royal Family, the Queen, and members of his family were also informed at that time.

Prince William is 28 years old and is currently serving in the Royal Air Force and is second in line to the British throne. Kate Middleton meet Prince William while attending University of St. Andrews is also 28 years old. The couple has had their ups and downs over the 8 years they’ve been dating. In April of 2007, the couple broke up for a period but reunited a few months later. Since then, Kate has attended many high-profile royal events and has been admired for her fashion sense, and has been placed on numerous “best dressed” lists including People Magazine’s 2007 and 2010 best dressed list.

So the news of a 2011 Royal Wedding begs the question many bridal fashionistas are asking. What will Miss Catherine Middleton wear on her wedding day? Stay tuned! The Royal Family will announce more details in due course.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 Royal Wedding