Why Doesn’t Kate Middleton Wear Her Engagement Ring Anymore?
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11 hours ago
The Princess of Wales attended a string of recent royal engagements without her heirloom engagement ring
The Princess of Wales continues her steady return to royal duties, following a battle with cancer last year. But while Kate Middleton might be back in the spotlight, there’s one notable absence: her engagement ring. Here’s everything you need to know about the royal antique, and why we might see even less of it in the future.
A History Of Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring
Kate Middleton’s iconic engagement ring is made up of a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 round cut diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold – and it comes with an impressive history.
The has been in the family for nearly 200 years, dating back to the mid-19th century when it was commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Inspired by a similar sapphire and diamond brooch, it was created by historic British jeweller Garrard. Upon Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, the ring entered the royal family heirloom collection – and was worn by subsequent royals, including Elizabeth II.
Fast forward a few decades, and we arrive at the engagement of a young Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Diana allegedly chose the ring herself from the royal family’s Garrard catalogue (an unusual decision for the time, since most royal engagement rings were typically bespoke), and wore it for the duration of her marriage to the then-Prince of Wales.
Upon their mother’s death, Prince William and Prince Harry inherited the heirloom. The latter, who was the legal owner of the ring, gave it to William in 2010 for his proposal to Kate Middleton. The rest, as they say, is history.
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The engagement ring has been a firm fixture on the Princess of Wales’ finger at many events over the years – from Wimbledon and Chelsea Flower Show to the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony – but recently, she’s been wearing it less and less. (Much to the intrigue – and nosiness – of the general public.) But why the sudden switch?
Why Hasn’t She Been Wearing It Recently?
Don’t worry; our favourite royal couple aren’t splitting anytime soon. The Princess of Wales typically foregoes her engagement ring when it makes more sense not to; for example, when it could be at risk of damage, or is simply too uncomfortable. It’s more likely that she’s simply trying to preserve her engagement, with it being both an antique and a family heirloom.
It could also depend on the setting of the social engagement. For example, during a 2020 visit to HMP Styal in Cheshire for Action for Children, it was highlighted by the public that Kate Middleton wasn’t wearing her engagement ring. In response, Kensington Palace explained that the royal took off her ring in order to remove potential hygiene hazards when visiting children’s wards.
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The same can be said for more recent occasions. ‘Kate Middleton’s decision to not wear her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring in the Scouts video is likely a thoughtful and symbolic one,’ adds Ella Citron-Thompkins, Jewellery Expert from Diamonds Factory, referencing the royal’s recent video celebrating her fifth year as president of the Scouts. ‘The video focuses on the importance of nature, mental well-being, and emotional grounding; her ring is a highly recognisable piece, so she may strategically want audiences to connect with the messaging rather than herself.’
What Does She Wear Instead?
On the days we don’t see Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, the royal typically wears an eternity ring stack. ‘This includes her slim Welsh gold wedding band and a delicate diamond eternity ring, speculated to have been a gift from Prince William,’ says Ella. ‘The eternity ring features a fine band of pavé-set diamonds in white gold or platinum; understated and symbolic.’
The eternity stack is more a reflection of the royal’s person style – contemporary chic with heaps of British flair – but its history makes it no less sentimental. The contrast is still a huge cause of intrigue amongst fans of the Princess of Wales. As Ella notes, ‘Her bold sapphire ring is rich in history while her eternity stack is subtle and modern.
‘It could simply be that [the original engagement ring] is being cleaned or resized, and Princess Kate has used the eternity rings in its place to help disperse any rumours,’ she adds, saying that the royal may have opted to ‘keep it safe at home for most engagements.’
The jewellery expert also suggests that the royal’s cancer journey could have had an impact on her wardrobe choices. ‘Following her recent treatment, it’s clear that much has shifted in her life,’ she notes. ‘Health challenges often bring a deeper appreciation for comfort and symbolism, especially in the pieces we choose to wear, so it’s understandable and admirable as to why she may opt for a more “low key” approach to casual appearances.’
