The Luxury Watches of the British Royal Family

It’s royal wedding week! In case you haven’t heard, American Meghan Markle is set to marry Prince Harry of the British Royal family this Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Windsor Castle in England. While we wait for the ceremony to take place, let’s have a closer look at what watches Prince Harry, his future wife Meghan Markle, and other members of the British Royal family wear on their wrists.  

Prince Harry wears a Rolex Explorer II

  The youngest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, the 33-year-old Prince Harry is sixth in line of succession to the British throne. Once he finished his education, Prince Harry took the military path and in 2007-2008 he actually served in Afghanistan. It was during this time that we saw the young prince often wearing a Rolex Explorer II on his wrist along with his military fatigues. [caption id="attachment_813" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Prince Harry Wears a Rolex Explorer II similar to this one[/caption] Prince Harry’s Rolex Explorer II ref. 21670 is in fact the newest version of the Rolex watch built for adventurers. The watch’s larger 42mm case size, crisp white dial with orange accents, and black engraved bezel is not only a great style for the laid-back royal, but the watch is also tough enough to keep up with his active lifestyle. Aside from his Rolex, we’ve also spotted Harry wearing another sporty luxury watch, a Breitling Aerospace.  

Prince William wears an Omega Seamaster Professional

  Prince Harry’s older brother is Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. The 35-year-old is actually second in the line of succession to the British throne, after his father, Prince Charles. Prince William had his own high-profile wedding back in 2011 when he married Kate Middleton. On that day, Prince William wore his daily watch—an Omega Seamaster Professional 300M with a blue bezel and blue wave dial. [caption id="attachment_818" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Prince William wears an Omega Seamaster given to him by his mother[/caption] One of Omega’s most popular timepieces, the stainless steel Seamaster Professional 300M is an attractive and solid luxury sports watch that is as comfortable on land as it is diving deep in the oceans. It’s reported that Prince William’s Seamaster was actually a gift from his mother, Princess Diana, which explains why he is so loyal to just one watch.  

Meghan Markle wears a Cartier Tank Française

  A former actress, Meghan Markle rose to fame as part of the cast of the hit television show, Suits. Now that she’s set to marry Prince Harry, her acting days are over, as she’ll surely take on some royal duties alongside her future husband. The California native is known for her casual, yet chic style and she’s often seen wearing a Cartier Tank Française. [caption id="attachment_816" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Meghan Markle wears a two tone version of the Cartier Tank Francaise[/caption] In 2015, Meghan Markle told Hello Magazine that she splurged on a two-tone Cartier Tank Française with its classic straight lines and combination of yellow gold and stainless steel when she found out that the show Suits was picked up for a third season. She even engraved “To M.M. From M.M” on the caseback with plans to give it to her future daughter one day. Meghan Markle knows how special a luxury watch is, telling the reporter, “That’s what makes pieces special, the connection you have to them."  

Kate Middleton wears a Cartier Ballon Bleu

   When Kate Middleton married Prince William, her official title became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Since her husband is likely to take the throne during his lifetime, Kate will eventually become queen consort. [caption id="attachment_819" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Duchess of Cambridge wears a Cartier Ballon Bleu[/caption] Just like her future sister-in-law Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Cambridge also wears a Cartier timepiece, but the curvy Ballon Bleu model. Kate’s Cartier Ballon Bleu watch is an understated steel model, suiting her elegant and polished style perfectly. What’s more, the blue sword hands and blue spinel cabochon set into the winding crown match her sapphire engagement ring beautifully. It’s been reported that the Cartier watch was a gift from Prince William on the occasion of their third wedding anniversary.  

Princess Beatrice wears a Rolex Air-King

  Princess Beatrice, daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York is also a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and first cousin of Prince Harry. And what does Princess Beatrice wear on her wrist to accent her outfits? A stainless steel Rolex Air-King. [caption id="attachment_820" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Princess Beatrice wears a Rolex Air-King with orange numerals on the dial[/caption] Void of any diamonds or gems, the 34mm steel Air-King is one of the most understated designs from Rolex—it doesn’t even include a date window. But the modern princess shows off the watch’s modern appeal and pairs it with both casual and dressier outfits. Her dial of choice is a concentric design with bright orange numerals—much like the color of her hair!  

Princess Diana wore a Cartier Tank

  Up until her tragic death in 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales was one of the most photographed and popular members of the British Royal Family. Dubbed “The People’s Princess,” she was famous for charitable work and approachable nature in the midst of a very reserved and private family. Prince Harry and Prince William’s mother was beloved the world over. [caption id="attachment_822" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Princess Diana was often photographed with a Cartier Tank on her wrist[/caption] While she wore several watches throughout her life, her yellow gold Cartier Tank watch with a leather strap was clearly one of her favorites as she was seen wearing it often during her marriage to Prince Charles. After her divorce, Diana was frequently seen wearing a solid yellow gold Cartier Tank Française, reportedly a gift from her father, Lord Spencer. It’s been rumored that since Prince William got Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring (which he of course gave to Kate Middleton), Prince Harry got the yellow gold Cartier Tank watch. We wouldn’t be surprised if he gave it to Meghan Markel after the wedding since we know she’s already a fan of this Cartier watch!  

Queen Elizabeth II wears a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse

  Lastly, but certainly not least, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II, has one of the most expensive and lavish jewelry collections in the world. According to the book, The Queen's Jewels: The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II by Leslie Field, the Queen’s collection includes “'14 tiaras, 34 pairs of earrings, 98 brooches, 46 necklaces, 37 bracelets, five pendants, 14 watches and 15 rings.” [caption id="attachment_823" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Her Majesty the Queen often wears a white gold and diamond Patek Philppe[/caption] During her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth wore a yellow gold and diamond Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 watch—still the world’s smallest mechanical movement. However, among those 14 watches, we’ve seen Queen Elizabeth II wearing a white gold and diamond Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse wrapped around her signature white glove more frequently. Fun fact, Queen Elizabeth’s great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, picked up a yellow gold and blue keyless winding Patek Philippe pocket watch with diamonds during the Great Exhibition in London in 1851! [caption id="attachment_824" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Queen Victoria's Patek Philippe Pocket Watch (Image: Patek Museum)[/caption] It’s clear that the members of the British Royal Family know a thing or two about luxury watches and Cartier, Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe are their favorite watch brands. We’ll be joining the millions of people who will be tuning in to the upcoming royal wedding this weekend to see if we spot any other of our favorite watch brands on any of the hundreds of celebrity and royal guests scheduled to attend.