Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, was seen without her engagement ring during a recent solo event in California, marking a notable moment on the International Day of the Girl. The Duchess of Sussex participated in drawing and crafting activities with young women at Girls Inc. in the Greater Santa Barbara area. While she was elegantly dressed, attendees noticed the absence of her iconic ring.
Designed by Prince Harry in 2017, the ring features two diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection and one from Botswana, representing the couple’s bond with Harry’s late mother and their early relationship. The ring, set on a simple gold band, has become a signature piece for Meghan since Harry proposed at Kensington Palace.
Although Markle was not wearing her engagement ring, she did have on her wedding band. This isn’t the first occasion she has appeared without the engagement ring; she was also spotted without it during the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf. At that time, a source informed Page Six that the ring was “being repaired,” and it reappeared on her finger earlier this year.
In recent months, both Meghan and Harry have undertaken high-profile solo engagements. Prince Harry has traveled from New York to London and Southern Africa to promote his philanthropic initiatives, while Meghan has focused on her own projects. She recently attended a glamorous charity gala for Children’s Hospital LA, where she was seen wearing her engagement ring. Reports indicate that Meghan is increasingly dedicating her energy to her entrepreneurial ventures, including her lifestyle brand.
These separate public appearances have led to speculation about a growing distance between the couple. Insiders suggest this may signal a shift in how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex balance their professional and personal lives. A source close to the couple shared with People magazine that “a twin-track approach is evolving,” with Harry focused on his patronage work and Meghan concentrating on her entrepreneurial efforts. While some royal commentators and fans ponder whether Meghan’s choice to forgo her engagement ring indicates marital issues, others view it as a practical or style decision.