Why Kate Middleton Wears Her Eternity Ring, Not Diana's Ring | Marie Claire

Princess Diana's engagement ring is nowhere to be seen.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Earlier this year, Kate Middleton debuted a new eternity ring while appearing alongside Prince William in a video to congratulate Team GB at the Paris Olympics. Now, a jewelry expert has suggested that the Princess of Wales may have chosen to swap her engagement ring for an eternity ring for a specific reason.

Kate Middleton's engagement ring originally belonged to Prince William's mother, Princess Diana, making it a special piece of jewelry. The Princess of Wales even had the ring altered so that she wouldn't lose the precious heirloom.

Since revealing her cancer diagnosis, Kate has been spotted without her engagement ring on numerous occasions. Speaking to the Express, Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory suggested the royal may have decided to stop wearing Diana's ring for "comfort or practicality."

"The Princess of Wales may have chosen to wear the eternity brands to represent her relationship with Prince William surpassing several major milestones—like anniversaries or births—or as a show of love and commitment," Citron-Thompkins explained. The jewelry expert also called the decision "a subtle nod to the public by Kate and Will that they are in love more than ever."

Kate Middleton wears her engagement ring while attending Wimbledon on July 14, 2024

Citron-Thompkins continued, "[I]t could simply be that it is being cleaned or resized, and Princess Kate has used the eternity rings in its place to help disperse any rumors."

As the ring originally belonged to the late Princess Diana, it is "quite extraordinary and very precious," the expert noted. It makes sense that Kate may have opted to "keep it safe at home for most engagements."

Kate Middleton wears her eternity ring instead of her engagement ring in Southport, England on October 10, 2024.

Discussing the importance of Kate's eternity rings from William, the jewelry expert told the Express, "The eternity rings look to be a more subtle and understated band compared to her sizable engagement ring. The style of the rings seems to be gold composed with small gemstones which are either garnets or sapphires."

Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.

It's a fact.

By Aniyah MoriniaPublished 4 November 24

Soft, sophisticated, and surprisingly versatile, fashion's favorite material is making luxury more accessible than ever.

By Julia MarzovillaPublished 4 November 24

They were super tight-knit.

By Iris GoldsztajnPublished 4 November 24

"His wife and father have both had operations and then both been subsequently diagnosed with cancer."

By Amy MackeldenPublished 1 November 24

"William would undoubtedly not be going to South Africa."

By Amy MackeldenPublished 1 November 24

"She's not taking anything for granted. She’s following doctor’s orders."

By Amy MackeldenPublished 1 November 24

"It's a spooky Halloween this year!"

By Amy MackeldenPublished 1 November 24

The moment was caught on film while he volunteered at a homeless charity.

By Kristin ContinoPublished 31 October 24

"No old hall would be complete without a ghost, would it?"

By Kristin ContinoPublished 30 October 24

"And Camilla sort of said something, to which still to this day I have never really understood," the protection officer said.

By Kristin ContinoPublished 30 October 24

"I am deeply heartened to receive such a warm response from her."

By Kristin ContinoPublished 29 October 24