Meghan Markle Seen Without Engagement Ring for First U.K. Outing With Prince Harry Since Their Return

Meghan Markle stepped out for her first joint public engagement with Prince Harry since their return to the U.K. — but her engagement ring was noticeably absent.

The Duchess of Sussex, 45, continued her months-long streak of going without the diamond sparkler as she joined her husband, 42, for a royal-style walkabout in Nottingham on Thursday, October 15.

According to the Daily Mail, the former Suits actress has not been photographed wearing the ring in almost nine months, with her last known public appearance donning the estimated £120,000 (about $159,000) piece dating back to an NBA game in California in February 2026.

Despite apparently leaving the ring at home, Meghan made a stylish appearance in an autumnal burgundy ensemble. Per the Daily Mail, she wore a cashmere coat worth approximately £1,500 and £650 heels from London-based designer Jennifer Chamandi.

The Duchess also wore her wedding band, while keeping her other accessories relatively understated.

Nottingham holds special significance for the Sussexes. In December 2017, Harry and Meghan made their first official joint royal appearance in the city after announcing their engagement, greeting crowds of cheering well-wishers.

Their return, however, was reportedly accompanied by concerns about how the public would receive them.

According to a Wednesday, October 14, report in journalist Rob Shuter‘s Naughty But Nice Substack, the couple had been worried about a disappointing turnout. “Empty streets could be even more embarrassing than angry crowds,” a source told Shuter.

Those fears appeared unfounded on Thursday, as Harry and Meghan were welcomed by cheering supporters outside Nottingham’s Community Recording Studio.

The couple smiled, shook hands, posed for selfies and accepted flowers as they greeted members of the public.

The outing marked another milestone for the Sussexes following their move back to Britain in August.

Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to California, where they lived for six years before returning to the U.K. with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.