A Royal Engagement 

At the end of 1998 Edward felt certain of his commitments towards Sophie.  He arranged to take Sophie on a pre-Christmas break to the Caribbean Island of Windermere.  The couple were to stay at the home of friends, the Duke and Duchess of Abercon.  The island is well visited by celebrities, notably Lord Mountbatten, The Prince and Princess of Wales and Jackie Onassis.  The island is almost completely isolated with very very occupants and so offers the privacy many celebrities yearn for.  On their last day at Windermere Island, Edward went down on bended knee and proposed.  Sophie eagerly accepted.  Upon their return to England, the couple sought the blessing of the Queen and Sophie's father, Christopher Rhys-Jones.  On 6 January 1999 Edward and Sophie announced their engagement to the world.  At the preceding photo call Edward and Sophie spoke of their affection and close friendship.  They insisted that they were going into the relationship with both eyes open

For Sophie's engagement ring the couple had opted for three diamonds set in a white gold band.  The ring was commissioned by Edward from Asprey & Gerrard of Bond Street.  The ring featured a 2.05-carot diamond flanked by two heart shaped diamonds.  The couple broke the royal tradition of opting for yellow gold and the weightily style of other engagement rings.