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Prince William gives Kate Middleton Diana’s engagement ring

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Prince William revealed tonight that he proposed using the engagement ring of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, to make sure she ‘didn’t miss out on the excitement.’

The 28-year-old Prince used the dazzling oval blue 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring when he popped the question while they were on holiday in Kenya last month.

Diana, who died in 1997, chose the elegant cluster ring after becoming engaged to Charles in 1981 and William handing it on to his wife-to-be will undoubtedly have been hugely emotional.

At the time it cost £28,000 and was from a selection presented to her by jewelers Garrard. Because it was not made for her specially, it was open to the public to buy.

As they posed for pictures at St James’ Palace tonight, William said giving Kate the ring was his way of ensuring his late mother could be part of the occasion.

In front of the world’s press, he said: ‘It is very special to me. It was my way to make sure my mother did not miss out on today and the excitement that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together.’

Full story: Prince William gives Kate Middleton Diana’s engagement ring | Mail Online