Proposal of marriage

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Classic "one-knee" proposal, ca. 1815

A yellow gold engagement ring set with a diamond, and a white gold wedding ring.

The proposal of marriage is an event where one person in a relationship asks for the other's hand in marriage. It often has a ritual quality, involving the presentation of the engagement ring and a formalized asking of a question such as "Will you marry me?".

It is traditionally the man's task to propose to the woman, but this is no longer universal. In the United Kingdom and Ireland the 29th of February, in a Leap year is said to be the one day (coming round only once every four years) when a woman can propose to her partner. As a monarch, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom had to propose to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In some cultures it is traditional for grooms to ask the bride's father for permission before proposing.