The day Diana cast off her rings

AFtER their official separation in 1992, it took a further three years for Charles and Diana’s divorce to be finalised. the decree nisi came through on august 28, 1996. in that period, Diana continued to wear both her engagement and wedding bands, presumably out of respect for her sons, then 11 and 14. Even at her first public engagement after the decree, a visit to Eton College with Charles, William and Harry on September 5, Diana continued to sport the rings.

But two days later she appeared proudly barehanded, a smiling, single woman. all eyes were on her as she strutted down the red carpet at a film premiere in London (right), wearing a clinging Versace dress. Her fiery red nails ensured her hands — and that ringless finger — were the focus of attention.

Charles’s watch was also cast off after the divorce — though much later than the rings. in 1996, Diana’s father, John Spencer, bought her an 18-carat yellow gold tank Francaise watch from Cartier, which she wore instead of her ex-husband’s gift.

When William and Harry visited Kensington Palace after her death to choose a keepsake from her possessions, William picked this watch and Harry, then 12, the engagement ring — though later he valiantly gave it up to his elder brother when William became the first to marry.