Royal fans are all saying same thing as Kate Middleton seen without engagement ring

Royal fans are all buzzing with the same observation after noticing that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been stepping out without her iconic engagement ring. Known for donning the breathtaking piece—which was originally Princess Diana's—on virtually all public occasions except during athletic events or hospital visits, it seems the future Queen Consort is changing up her jewelry choices.

This year, the royal has more often been seen wearing an "eternity band" or her wedding ring, and sometimes, her fingers are completely bare. On TikTok, royal aficionado and fashion historian Victoria Campbell pointed out: "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."

She noted that we are accustomed to seeing Kate with her engagement ring, "but in 2024 we really haven't seen it that often."

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She added, "Of the [public] appearances and of the times we have seen her, she hasn't been wearing it."

Fans are abuzz with speculation regarding why the beloved sapphire ring is absent, reports Aberdeen Live .

Some suggested a simple explanation: the Duchess may be opting for less conspicuous bands for comfort and to lessen the risk of misplacing the treasured heirloom.

In a response to Campbell's video, one viewer speculated with concern: "She often leaves it home when she's outdoors or traveling, she's probably scared of losing Diana's ring. I would be paranoid!"

Another fan agreed on matters of practicality, saying, "Who doesn't love comfort, it is a statement, just for official engagements?"

Adding to the discussion, a third said, "Sometimes it's a bit much when you're doing certain public appearances."

Campbell herself concurred with the thoughts swirling around: "I really, really think it's just a matter of comfort and practicality," she remarked.

She elucidated further that Kate has been seen wearing different bands on her ring finger, pointing out, "We have seen her with various bands on her left ring finger, and [in] the video announcing the end of her [chemotherapy] treatment we first saw all four of these bands."

Expanding on Kate's choice of rings, Campbell noted that along with a Welsh gold wedding band, Kate was observed wearing a sparkling new diamond and sapphire band which seemed to be a recent acquisition, plus two diamond eternity bands.

Campbell didn't hide her admiration: "I love her engagement ring, it's amazing," but admitted "But I have to say that wearing bands, it's more comfortable, right?"

There's also a buzz that the Duchess's fresh diamond and sapphire band, first spotted as she celebrated Team GB in August following their Olympic success, could act as a snug substitute for her celebrated engagement ring. As Hello Magazine reflected, "Some have mused that the [ring] could be a more practical, day-to-day alternative to Kate's iconic engagement ring since it features the same stones."