Royal wedding on a budget as high street offers £15 engagement ring
ONLY A few entries in the Yellow Pages separate Argos from Asprey’s, the Queen’s jeweller. But the price tag sets them further apart.
The high street catalogue shop has produced a replica of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring for the princely sum of £14.99.
The limited edition “Meghan Sparkle” features an emerald-cut cubic zirconia set between two brilliant-cut stones on a yellow gold-plated band.
Ms Markle’s actual engagement ring is estimated to be worth more than £120,000. Designed by Prince Harry, it was made using two diamonds from his mother Diana, Princess of Wales’s personal collection and a central diamond sourced from Botswana.
Clair Albone, jewellery buyer at Argos, said 22 per cent more people than last year were treating themselves to engagement rings, as excitement mounts for the royal event on May 19.
The bride and groom will be carried on the day in a type of coach used during the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s nuptials, it was announced yesterday.
Harry and Ms Markle visited the royal mews at Buckingham Palace to select the Ascot Landau, which will now be the centrepiece of the public celebrations after they marry in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Crown Equerry Colonel Toby Browne, who runs the mews, said: “Harry was best man at his brother’s wedding so he rode in one of these with the bridesmaids and pages as part of the procession following the wedding.”
If it rains on the day, the wet weather option is the Scottish State Coach. Built in 1830, a new top was created in 1969 with large windows, and a partial glass roof, to allow spectators to see the passengers.
Six horses, Windsor Greys, will convey the coaches, with the procession beginning at 1pm when the newlyweds will be driven into Windsor town centre, before returning along Long Walk for their reception.
Meanwhile, Prince Louis, at just a week-and-a-half old, has had his first pub named after him.
The McMullen’s Brewery establishment in Great Notley, Essex, is being refurbished and is due to open later this month.
It was painted with its new sign, The Prince Louis, on the day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced his name.