This Might Be Why Kate Middleton Isn’t Wearing Her Engagement Ring

This Might Be Why Kate Middleton Isn’t Wearing Her Engagement Ring
The princess swapped out the iconic sapphire piece for an infinity band.

Royal rings have sent onlookers into quite a stir as of late. Many fans noticed that Prince William does not wear a wedding band, and never has—a realization that some people took as a bad omen for William and Kate Middleton’s relationship. Such speculation was quickly quelled, however, as William’s reason for forgoing a ring is quite simple: He just doesn’t wear any jewelry. Now, eagle-eyed fans are turning their attention to Kate, as she has swapped out her iconic sapphire engagement ring for a new eternity band.

The Princess of Wales first debuted the infinity band in a video alongside her husband, in which they congratulated Team Great Britain for its 2024 Paris Olympics performance. She wore the piece again in an emotional video announcing she completed her preventative chemotherapy.

Princess Kate and Prince William on their engagement day
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Kate’s engagement ring is, of course, a sentimental piece, as it belonged to her mother-in-law Princess Diana. She was given the jewelry when William proposed in 2010, and even had it resized so she wouldn’t lose it.

The ring has become a usual in her jewelry arsenal. Since revealing her cancer diagnosis in March, she has been seen donning the ring during her rare public appearances. However, she recently traded it out for her eternity band.

Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory told Express the princess may have stopped wearing Diana’s ring for “comfort or practicality.” Though, her switch-up may also be symbolic.

Princess Kate talking while sitting
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“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, adding that her decision is “a subtle nod to the public by Kate and Will that they are in love more than ever.”

She continued: “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 rumors.” Citron-Thompkins added Kate may have opted to “keep it safe at home for most engagements.”

The expert also pointed out key differences between the two rings: “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.”