Crown Prince Frederik, the future King of Denmark, posed for pictures with his fiance Mary Donaldson after announcing their engagement to the world on October 8, 2003. The Australian-born Mary became Crown Princess Mary of Denmark upon marriage in 2004, and her engagement ring paid a sweet tribute to her new country.
Crown Prince Frederik gifted Mary a stunning diamond and ruby engagement ring to reflect Denmark’s flag.
The patriotic gem was altered in recent years to include an extra diamond baguette at each end of the band.
The additional stones are thought to represent the couple’s four children, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
Steven Stone Jewellers diamond expert Maxwell Stone told the Daily Mail: “With a 1.50-carat emerald-cut diamond centre stone, sat between two 70-point emerald cut rubies, Princess Mary of Denmark’s stunning engagement ring originally had an estimated value of $40,000 (approximately £35,874).
READ MORE: Queen of Denmark’s palace is grand as Buckingham Palace – inside home
On either side sit two diamonds from the late Princess Diana’s collection, a touching tribute to Harry’s mother.
In recent years, the Duchess of Sussex’s ring appears to have undergone an upgrade as the gems now sit on a diamond pave band.
Small diamonds have also been added to skirt around the stones, adding a touch of extra sparkle to the stunning design.
Sentimentally, the birthstones of the Sussex family are also thought to feature in a matching eternity band.
The stones were placed to reflect the flag of France, where Princess Marie hails from.
The ring can also be seen as a tribute to Prince Joachim’s family too.
Joachim’s late father, Prince Henrik, was born in France and used the French title of “Comte de Laborde de Monpezat”.
Queen Margrethe granted both of her sons, Frederik and Joachim, the title of Count of Monpezat, which can be used by their descendants in recognition of Prince Henrik’s ancestry.
