Why is Prince Harry always wearing bracelets?
- There’s a sentimental reason behind Prince Harry’s signature pieces of jewellery
- READ MORE: Meghan Markle skipping UK visit with Prince Harry ‘prompts huge sigh of relief from Kensington Palace’
You’ll most likely spot Prince Harry wearing a crisp shirt or smart suit during public appearances, but look closely and you’ll notice there’s one accessory the Duke is never spotted without – an engraved silver bangle he’s been wearing for 20 years.
Harry’s most recent appearance today at the Light Academy in Abuja, Nigeria, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are carrying out a mini tour to champion the Invictus Games, is no exception.
The Prince was also recently spotted wearing the same jewellery during his London visit, with royal watchers noticing his stack of bracelets peeking out from under his suit jacket as he shook hands with VIPs or waved at the crowds.
The Duke of Sussex had returned to the UK to speak at a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Harry looked professional in a navy suit and crisp white shirt, his military medals proudly on display – a smart outfit that was somewhat inconsistent with his mismatched bracelets.
Prince Harry visited St Paul’s Cathedral in London this week to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Nigeria where the couple will be carrying out a mini tour to champion the Invictus Games
Alongside his trusty silver bangle, the Prince wore a selection of other jewellery on his right wrist, including the same woven bracelet that he was pictured wearing last month at a charity polo match in Florida.
It’s not unusual for Harry to mix and match his bracelets, but his silver bangle remains a constant, no matter the dress code – even on his wedding day to Meghan Markle back in 2018.
Prince Harry was first pictured wearing the bracelet back in 2001 cheering on from the sidelines at a charity polo match alongside his brother, Prince William.
It’s been widely speculated that Harry bought the bracelet during his first trip to Africa, which came shortly after his mother, the late Princess Diana of Wales, passed away in 1997.
‘I first came in 1997, straight after my mum died,’ Harry told Town and Country magazine back in 2021. ‘My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags – we were going to Africa to get away from it all.’
It was here that Harry was able to find some ‘normality’ in the aftermath of his mother’s death.
He continued: ‘I have this intense sense of complete relaxation and normality here. To not get recognised, to lose myself in the bush with what I would call the most down-to-earth people on the planet.’
Prince Harry was first spotted wearing his signature silver bangle in 2001 at a charity polo match
Prince Harry’s blue beaded bracelet caused speculation when new girlfriend Meghan Markle was spotted wearing the same one
Prince Harry wore a single bangle to his wedding reception at St George’s Hall in Windsor
It’s not the first time Prince Harry’s bracelets have caught the public’s attention.
In 2016, Harry sparked worldwide rumours that he and Suits star Meghan Markle, who is now his wife, were dating after both were spotted wearing matching blue beaded bracelets.
Shortly after Harry was spotted making several public appearances in the distinctive jewellery piece, Meghan posted a picture to Instagram wearing a very similar bracelet style, which royal fans were convinced matched Harry’s.
And it’s not just bracelets that are symbolic for the Duke – Harry also has a necklace that holds a special significance.
Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last year, Harry recalled the infamous incident in his book Spare where he and brother Prince William allegedly had a physical fight.
Prince Harry often teams his silver bangle with other bracelets that have a significant meaning
Prince Harry was spotted with his signature stack of bracelets at a charity polo match, which he attended alongside his wife, Meghan Markle
‘There is a lot of talk about the physical fight that the two of you had, where he pushed you down in the kitchen and broke the dog bowl when you fell on it,’ host Stephen Colbert said to Harry on the show.
He then asked: ‘It says he broke your necklace. Which necklace was this that he broke?’ To which Harry replied: ‘This one, which is now fixed.’
The Duke then showed the host a series of charms attached to a black cord, before explaining: ‘I’ve got my kids’ heartbeats, which my wife gave me.
‘And a friend of mine in Botswana made this for me, which has got Tiger’s-eye on it,’ he added.
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