Princess Buttercup!

So, the dauphin is marrying his commoner. (Tho the House of Windsor would surely not approve of my use of a French term.) I am delighted for them and for the Kingdom. I don't know too terribly much about her, but what I see of Kate Middleton, I like. I have to say, though, my heart stopped when I saw exactly what was on her ring finger. Can you imagine becoming betrothed with Princess Diana's very engagement ring? I'm verklempt. Here you see:

From yesterday's announcement. (didn't she have a smashing blue dress on?) I think it's truly heartfelt of William, and freaking brave of Kate. Not just any broad could do this. And you can go all over the interwebs to read what William said about the gesture. You can also read all the snarky yeah- or nay-sayers. But, you know, people are very attached to the memory of Diana. Myself included.

I must tell you, I have always loved this ring. So much so that it is one of the reasons I wanted a sapphire for my engagement ring. I kid you not. Look!

That's really my hand, I swear. Of course, we didn't reveal it at St. James Palace. Being commoners, we and our parents met for lunch at Olive Garden so Woodworker could give me the ring in proper ceremony. I'm not kidding. We met there for brunch so our parents could finally meet. And I had been (im)patiently waiting for the ring to be finished at the jewelers. So we all got to see its premier together. And it was all very splendid.

And, of course, you know what happens when you get rings like this. This:

Oh dear.