Princess Kate’s recent public appearance in Southport has sparked intrigue as she was spotted without her iconic sapphire engagement ring.

The absence of the ring, once belonging to Princess Diana, has led to speculation about its connection to Meghan Markle’s similar situation.

Both royal women have been seen without their engagement rings in recent outings, prompting curiosity among royal watchers.

Kate’s choice to wear alternative jewellery during her first official engagement since completing chemotherapy treatment has been interpreted by experts as a potential “subtle nod” to her relationship with Prince William.

Princess Kate and Meghan Markle
Princess Kate’s missing engagement ring may have link to Meghan Markle’s ringGetty

Meanwhile, Meghan’s missing ring during solo appearances has fuelled discussions about the Sussexes’ new approach to work and public engagements.

During her visit to Southport, Kate was seen wearing several eternity bands alongside her wedding ring, but her famous sapphire engagement ring was noticeably absent.

Jewellery expert Ella Citron-Thompkins told The Mirror: “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.”

The expert suggested this could be a “subtle nod to the public by Kate and William that they are in love more than ever.”

Princess Kate

Princess Kate did not wear her sapphire engagement ring that belonged to Princess Diana on her most recent outing

Citron-Thompkins also noted practical reasons for the ring’s absence, such as cleaning or resizing, and added that Kate might prefer to keep the “extraordinary and very precious” ring safe at home for most engagements.

Meghan has also been spotted without her engagement ring during recent solo appearances. During a visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, Meghan was seen wearing various pieces of jewellery but her engagement ring was notably absent.

This was not the first time Meghan was pictured without her ring; she was seen without it at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf last year.

A source told Page Six at the time that the ring was “being fixed”. However, Meghan wore the ring at a recent film premiere, suggesting it may have been repaired.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle also did not wear her engagement ring on her most recent outing

The duchess’s engagement ring, designed by Prince Harry, features diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection and one from Botswana.

Meghan’s ring underwent a redesign in 2019, with the original gold band replaced by a thinner micropave band.

The absence of engagement rings for both Kate and Meghan has drawn comparisons between the two royal women.

 

 
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle pictured wearing her eternity ring alongside her engagement ring in Florida earlier this yearPA

While Kate’s missing ring has been interpreted as a symbol of her enduring relationship with William, Meghan’s situation appears more complex.

Kate’s sapphire ring has remained largely unchanged, while Meghan opted for a thinner micropave band in 2019.

The significance of their jewellery choices extends beyond aesthetics, often reflecting personal milestones or practical considerations.

Princess Kate’s recent public appearance in Southport without her iconic sapphire engagement ring has stirred up considerable intrigue, particularly as it mirrors a similar situation with Meghan Markle, who has also been spotted without her engagement ring during recent outings.

The absence of Kate’s engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana, has prompted a wave of speculation and comparison to Meghan, as royal watchers wonder if there is a deeper significance behind these choices.

During her Southport visit, Princess Kate wore a collection of eternity bands alongside her wedding ring, but the famous sapphire ring was notably absent. Jewellery expert Ella Citron-Thompkins suggested to The Mirror that Kate’s choice might be a “subtle nod” to her relationship with Prince William, potentially symbolizing major milestones in their life together, such as anniversaries or the births of their children. Citron-Thompkins added that Kate could have opted to leave the ring at home for practical reasons, like cleaning or resizing, and perhaps due to its extraordinary sentimental value.

While Kate’s missing ring has been interpreted as a sign of her and William’s enduring love, Meghan Markle’s situation appears more multifaceted. Meghan has been seen without her engagement ring during solo appearances, including a visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara. Her ring, designed by Prince Harry and featuring diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection, has undergone a redesign in 2019, with the original gold band being replaced by a thinner micropave band. Meghan’s ring was reportedly being fixed during her time without it, according to a source from Page Six.

These parallel instances have inevitably led to comparisons between the two royal women, though their circumstances may differ. Kate’s sapphire engagement ring has remained a consistent symbol of her connection to Princess Diana, while Meghan’s redesign reflects her own unique tastes and preferences. Both women, however, seem to use their jewelry choices to signify deeper personal milestones and emotions, extending beyond just aesthetics.

While the missing rings have sparked curiosity, it’s clear that for both Kate and Meghan, their jewelry choices are as much about personal significance and practical considerations as they are about fashion or public perception.