Kate Middleton ditching her engagement ring is a 'subtle nod' about relationship with William - Daily Record

Kate Middleton was seen wearing an eternity band on her ring finger on her first official engagement since ending her treatment - and a jewellery expert claims it's a 'subtle nod' from the couple.

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Kate Middleton's decision to leave her stunning engagement ring at home during a recent public outing has sparked chatter among royal enthusiasts. However, a jewellery expert has suggested that there could be several practical and personal reasons for the Kate's choice.

The iconic ring, originally belonging to Princess Diana, is usually seen on Kate's finger during public events, except for athletic activities or hospital visits. However, it was noticeably absent during her first official engagement following the end of her chemotherapy treatment.

Kate made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William in Southport, meeting with families and emergency workers affected by the tragic Southport stabbings, including three young girls who lost their lives at a Taylor Swift-themed party over the summer holidays.

Observant fans were thrilled to see her accompanying William again, but also noted that while she wore several 'eternity bands' and her wedding ring, her famous sapphire engagement ring was missing.

Diamonds Factory's jewellery expert, Ella Citron-Thompkins, revealed to the Mirror: "Recently, The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the families of the Southport victims. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that there was something a bit different about the jewellery Kate was wearing on her hand, specifically that she had opted for several 'eternity bands', alongside her wedding ring, as opposed to her 12-carat diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

"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. With the rumours that have surrounded the couple earlier in the year, this can be seen as a subtle nod to the public by Kate and Will that they are in love more than ever."

The expert added: "It is not the first time that the famous Princess Diana ring has been missing during an outing, and it 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 rumours. It could also be a matter of comfort, or practicality.

"The Princess's engagement ring is quite extraordinary and very precious, so it may be that she prefers to keep it safe at home for most engagements."

Royal fashion enthusiasts have been scrutinising Kate Middleton's recent jewellery choices. This year, the Duchess has frequently been spotted wearing an 'eternity band' or her wedding ring, and at times, she opts for no rings at all, reports the Mirror.

Jewellery expert Ella commented on Kate's new selection of rings, suggesting they could be a "perfect" tribute to a ring Prince William gave his wife early in their relationship. "The eternity rings look to be a more subtle and understated band compared to her sizable engagement ring," Ella observed.

"The style of the rings seems to be gold composed with small gemstones which are either garnets or sapphires. This looks to resemble the promise ring that Prince William gave Kate at university when they first started dating.

"This was a rose-gold Victorian band embellished with pearls and garnets: representing both their birthstones. If the stones are sapphires, then it is the perfect homage to the ring it replaced."

Ella further noted: "Kate Middleton's usual jewellery style tends to be very influenced and dependent on what outfit she has chosen to wear. Because of this, she has been seen to style both gold and silver jewellery.

"The designs of her rings and earrings are traditionally fitting for the modern world of jewellery trends, with intricate gold and silver designs that emboss gemstones to give them a subtle statement. Amongst her favourites are pearls which are fitting for them being Prince William's birthstone."

Her Royal Highness's penchant for ornate gold and silver bracelets is evident, as she frequently sports designs with textured bands of chains or gemstones on her right hand. This preference is reflected in her necklace choices, often featuring a delicate chain with a standout gemstone pendant.

The Princess's selection of gemstones is setting the trend, with the jewellery market increasingly embracing classic stones like emeralds and sapphires, echoing her fondness for garnets and pearls. Alongside her Welsh gold wedding band, Kate has been seen with a new diamond and sapphire band, which appears to be a recent addition, accompanied by two diamond eternity bands.

The Princess of Wales's latest diamond and sapphire band, first noticed during her celebration of Team GB's Olympic achievements in August, is speculated to be a comfortable stand-in for her iconic engagement ring. On TikTok, Royal enthusiast and fashion historian Victoria Campbell remarked: "Princess Catherine was not wearing her engagement ring at the visit that took place in Southport, England, [last week]. The iconic engagement ring that was once Princess Diana's is of course very hard to miss."

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She observed that while we're used to seeing Kate with her engagement ring, "but in 2024 we really haven't seen it that often."

Campbell also mentioned: "Of the [public] appearances and of the times we have seen her, she hasn't been wearing it."

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