Meghan Markle Foregoes Engagement Ring for UK Visit, Opts for Diana's Watch and Fitness Tracker

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, did not wear her engagement ring from Prince Harry during their recent joint engagement in Nottingham, the city where the couple first announced their engagement in 2017. This marked their first public appearance together in the UK since the Queen's funeral in 2022.

Instead of the £120,000 diamond engagement ring, Markle accessorized her attire with her wedding band and a fitness tracker. She was also seen wearing Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Française watch, valued at approximately £17,800. The fitness tracker, described as a bedazzled Oura ring housed in a custom gold sleeve, is an accessory Markle has been seen with frequently. She also wore a new, unidentified gold band on her right hand.

Meghan has not been photographed wearing her engagement ring in nearly nine months, with its last known appearance being at an NBA game in California in February 2026. The ring itself, designed with input from Cleave & Company, features diamonds from one of Princess Diana's bracelets. It is believed to have undergone several alterations since its initial design, including a thinner band with added diamonds in 2019, a potential second alteration with additional diamonds in 2022, and a period in 2023 where it was absent due to repairs for a loose stone. Most recently, in 2025, its central diamond appeared to be an emerald cut rather than the original cushion cut.

The couple was greeted by a crowd of over 100 well-wishers in Nottingham. Markle accepted flowers and balloons, expressing that it was "great to be back." Prince Harry was observed placing a protective arm around his wife as they interacted with the public and posed for selfies. This visit included engagements with three charities: the Community Recording Studio, where Markle was scheduled to participate in an acting workshop, the Himmah food bank, and Epic Partners, which offers sports mentoring for young people. The Hubb Community Kitchen, established in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, was also part of their itinerary, a project that has been a passion for Markle.

A source close to the couple indicated that such public appearances will be relatively rare for Markle, who is focused on her role as a "full-time mum and entrepreneur." Her current priorities include reading scripts for a potential return to acting and launching her UK-based brand, As Ever. Prince Harry's focus remains on his philanthropic work, particularly the Invictus Games.

Earlier in the week, Markle launched a new advent calendar and a collaboration with Malala Yousafzai, donating proceeds from her brand As Ever's jam and tea sales to the Malala Fund for girls' education.