When it was announced in February 2005 that the then-Prince of Wales had proposed to Camilla Parker-Bowles, ITN proclaimed that he had used “a ring worth waiting for”.
Charles proposed with a ring that has a long family history. Historians believe that the ring dates back to the 1920s. His grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, wore the ring to several events. It is suspected that her husband, while still Duke of York, gave Elizabeth the stunning diamond ring after she gave birth to their elder daughter, Princess Elizabeth.
(Photo by Hugo Burnard/ Buckingham Palace)
The ring is an Art Deco design that features a five-carat, emerald-cut diamond with three baguette diamonds on either side, set in platinum. The Queen Mother wore it with other statement pieces, including Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Necklace.
King Charles inherited the ring upon his grandmother’s death in 2002. He was incredibly close with her throughout his life, and it was a touching choice to use one of her pieces to propose with.
At their engagement party, Camilla shared that he did in fact go down on one knee to propose with the ring.
The Queen still wears her engagement ring daily. It is reportedly valued at £212,000, but Buckingham Palace has not confirmed this.
