The fascinating NEW details behind Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement announcement 14 years on - including the item that signalled the start of the 'Kate effect' READ MORE: Kate Middleton's collection of sustainable jewellery is growing by the day...
but guess who got in on the act first? By REBEKAH ABSALOM Published: 08:00 GMT, 16 November 2024 | Updated: 08:00 GMT, 16 November 2024 e-mail View comments Following eight years of dating, Prince William and Kate Middleton delighted royal fans across the globe when they announced their engagement on November 16, 2010. William had popped the question during a private holiday in Kenya the previous month, after requesting permission from Kate's father, Michael. The couple shared the joyous news with the press in the State Apartments at St James's Palace, giving Kate the opportunity to showcase her dazzling new ring.
William had, of course, presented his fiancee with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, which was crafted by the London luxury jeweller Garrard. It was the very ring chosen by Lady Diana Spencer when she became engaged to Charles, then Prince of Wales. For the engagement ring, William presented Kate with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, which had belonged to his late mother Princess Diana Prince William said: 'It is very special to me.
It was my way to make sure my mother did not miss out on today and the excitement that we are g.