<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=24bXZy_0w7z9vaP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=24bXZy_0w7z9vaP00" width="1200" height="675" ><figcaption>The ring was originally Princess Diana's engagement ring from Charles (Image: )</figcaption></figure>Kate Middleton's choice to leave her stunning engagement ring at home during a recent public appearance has sparked fan speculation.However, a jewelry expert has clarified that there could be several personal and practical reasons why Kate may have chosen not to wear the iconic ring, which was originally Princess Diana's.Kate is usually seen sporting the impressive piece at public events, except for athletic activities or hospital visits, reports the Mirror US.Yet, it was conspicuously absent during her first official engagement since finishing her chemotherapy treatment.Kate made an unexpected appearance with Prince William in Southport, England, where they met with families and emergency workers affected by recent stabbings, whose victims included three young girls who were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed party.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0tIN9K_0w7z9vaP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0tIN9K_0w7z9vaP00" width="1191" height="703" ><figcaption>Kate typically wears her ring proudly, but sometimes opts to leave it at home (Image: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>Eagle-eyed fans were excited to see her accompanying William again, but they also noticed she was wearing several eternity bands and her wedding ring, while her famous sapphire engagement ring was missing.Speaking to The Mirror, jewelry aficionado Ella Citron-Thompkins, from Diamonds Factory, observed: "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 jewelry 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."It is possible Kate opted to dress down, leaving the spectacular ring at home, out of respect for the parents and family members who lost their children.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0rFhIT_0w7z9vaP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0rFhIT_0w7z9vaP00" width="1200" height="1384" ><figcaption>William and Kate traveled to Southport to pay their respects to the family members of the slain children (Image: Mirror US )</figcaption></figure>"The Princess of Wales may have chosen to wear the eternity bands 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 rumors 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."Citron-Thompkins further noted: "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 rumors. 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."This year, Kate has been spotted wearing an eternity band or her wedding ring, and sometimes even displaying completely bare fingers, which could be because it's more comfortable.Ella, the observer, suggested that these new ring choices could be a subtle nod to a ring given to Kate by William during their early courtship. "The eternity rings appear to be a more understated band compared to her sizable engagement ring," Ella remarked.She further added: "The style of the rings seems to be gold composed with small gemstones which are either garnets or sapphires. This bears resemblance to the promise ring that Prince William gave Kate at university when they first started dating; this was a rose-gold Victorian band adorned with pearls and garnets: representing both their birthstones. If the stones are sapphires, then it is the perfect homage to the ring it replaced."</div></body>

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Kate Middleton's missing engagement ring is 'subtle nod' to royal marriage

Kate Middleton's choice to leave her stunning engagement ring at home during a recent public appearance has sparked fan speculation. However, a jewelry expert has clarified that there could be several personal and practical reasons why Kate may have chosen not to wear the iconic ring, which was originally Princess Diana's.