Queen’s £207,000 engagement ring from Prince Philip was designed with sweet tribute to his mum

Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring, given to her by Prince Philip, is not only a symbol of their enduring love but also a piece imbued with deep personal significance. The ring, crafted with diamonds that once belonged to Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, is both lavish and sentimental. Valued at over £200,000 today, it is considered one of the most cherished pieces in the Royal Family’s collection.

Prince Philip took a personal hand in designing the engagement ring with the help of the London jeweler Philip Antrobus Ltd. The ring features a central 3-carat round cut solitaire diamond, flanked by smaller diamonds arranged in clusters. This design reflects both a practical and sentimental approach, as Philip repurposed diamonds from his mother’s tiara to create a ring that honored his family’s legacy while being mindful of their modest wealth at the time.

Jewelry experts at Steven Stone have highlighted the emotional weight of Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring, contrasting it with those of other prominent royals. Maxwell Stone, the creative director at Steven Stone, noted that the current value of Queen Elizabeth’s ring stands around £207,000. In comparison, Meghan Markle’s ring is estimated at approximately £120,000, while Kate Middleton’s ring—set with Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire and diamond—commands a value of around £350,000 due to its historical significance.

The story of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s engagement dates back to their first meeting in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to Prince George, Duke of Kent. At that time, Philip was a Prince of Greece and Denmark, while Elizabeth was the heir presumptive to the British throne. Their initial encounter was the beginning of a long and profound connection.

Their paths crossed again in 1939 during a visit by Elizabeth and her family to the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, where Philip was stationed. This meeting sparked a series of letters between the two as Philip served in the Navy during World War II. Their correspondence blossomed into a deep affection, leading to their engagement in 1946 and their wedding in 1947.

Prince Philip made a significant sacrifice for his love, renouncing his Greek and Danish royal titles, becoming a naturalized British citizen, and adopting the surname Mountbatten from his maternal uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten. This act underscored his commitment to Elizabeth and his readiness to embrace a new life alongside her as she prepared to become the future monarch.

The engagement ring remains a poignant symbol of their relationship, representing both their personal connection and Philip’s thoughtful consideration. Its value extends beyond monetary worth, embodying the legacy of their shared history and the love that defined their nearly 74 years of marriage.