King Charles III’s recent portrait at the Scottish Parliament has sparked intrigue among royal observers, particularly due to the new signet ring he is wearing—an accessory with deep personal and sentimental significance. Fans have been quick to notice that this ring, unlike the one he has worn for decades, carries a different coat of arms, one that ties back to the Greek Royal Family, from which his late father, Prince Philip, hailed.
For decades, King Charles was seen wearing a yellow gold oval-shaped signet ring, engraved with the iconic coronet and plume of the Prince of Wales. This ring was presented to him by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, shortly after his 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, making it an important symbol of his royal identity. The design, featuring the phrase “Ich Dien” (meaning “I serve” in German), was believed to be a gift from his great-uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor, who was once the Prince of Wales before abdicating the throne in 1936. The ring’s design, with the three ostrich feathers and the motto, has been associated with the Prince of Wales for centuries, dating back to the time of the Black Prince in the 14th century.
However, the new ring now worn by King Charles carries an even more profound meaning. It is believed to have belonged to his father, Prince Philip, who passed away in April 2021. The coat of arms engraved on the ring reflects Prince Philip’s Greek heritage, linking the new ring to the Duke of Edinburgh and his ancestry. This connection has prompted many to speculate that this is a deeply personal tribute to his father, with the ring carrying the weight of not only royal history but also of a father-son bond. The new ring’s origins trace back to Prince Philip’s own father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, who died in 1944. Prince Philip retrieved this ring and other heirlooms after World War II, making it a cherished family artifact.
The sentimental value of this ring is immeasurable, especially considering its royal lineage. As Charlie Pragnell, a director of the Pragnell family jewellery firm, notes, jewelry often passes from one generation to the next, embodying countless memories and emotions. Justin Daughters, the managing director of Berganza, a renowned antique jeweler, adds that if the new ring indeed belonged to Prince Philip, it is a royal heirloom that carries not just historical significance but also emotional weight. For King Charles, wearing this ring now could symbolize a continuation of his father’s legacy, marking a moment of personal reflection on the life of the man who served as his guiding force.
Signet rings have a long history in royal tradition, dating back to Ancient Egypt, where Pharaohs used signet rings to seal documents and symbolize their authority. In medieval times, monarchs like Edward II used their signet rings to authenticate royal decrees. Over the centuries, signet rings have become powerful symbols of royal power and were often passed down from one monarch to the next, though historically, they were destroyed upon the death of the owner to prevent forgery or impersonation.
King Charles’s choice to wear his father’s signet ring speaks volumes about the deep personal connections that jewelry can represent in royal families. It’s not just a piece of ornamentation—it’s a symbol of continuity, family, and legacy. The ring also highlights the personal and emotional layers that exist behind the ceremonial role of the monarchy. It suggests that while the crown and title may change, the enduring bonds of family and tradition continue to play a central role in the royal family’s life.
Interestingly, signet rings often have their own unique stories. For example, Spanish monarch Charles I of Spain had his coat of arms engraved into a diamond, set into a gold ring by the Milanese sculptor Jacopo da Trezzo in the 16th century. Similarly, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s sons brought the German tradition of wearing wedding bands beneath signet rings to England, a custom that continues among royal men today, including King Charles. Prince William, for example, follows this tradition, although he has chosen not to wear a wedding ring, a choice that drew attention ahead of his 2011 wedding to Catherine, Princess of Wales.
As King Charles continues to wear his father’s signet ring, one wonders if this is a tradition that might eventually be passed down to Prince William. The prospect of William inheriting the ring from his father, as his father did from his own, remains uncertain, but it would certainly mark a powerful moment of continuity for the royal family. However, as the royal family’s traditions continue to evolve, it’s unclear whether Prince William will follow in his father’s footsteps and adopt this particular heirloom.
For now, the new signet ring worn by King Charles is not just a symbol of royal authority—it is a tribute to his father, a cherished connection to the Greek Royal Family, and a poignant reminder of the enduring legacies that pass through the generations. It’s a personal memento that will undoubtedly carry with it stories of love, loss, and continuity, resonating far beyond the walls of the royal palaces and deep into the hearts of those who watch the monarchy unfold.
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