Yesterday, Kate Middleton embarked on her first major solo engagement since her cancer diagnosis.
Wearing a chic maroon polo neck and matching skirt, the Princess of Wales visited the Royal Marsden Hospital – where she previously received treatment – and took the time to speak with both patients and staff.
While Kate was not wearing her engagement ring during this poignant visit, she did wear another meaningful piece of jewellery – her eternity ring.
Leading diamond experts from UK retailer Steven Stone have shared all the details behind the sentimental and dazzling piece.
Prince William presented the mother of his children with an eternity ring following the birth of their son, Prince George.
The pave set eternity band sits beside her iconic sapphire engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band.
After fans suspected that the ring was from Annoushka and reached out to the jeweller, it was confirmed in 2014 that Kate’s ring is their eclipse eternity ring.
Crafted from 18ct white gold with a high polish finish, it’s hand-set with 0.23ct diamonds and retails at £1,500.
“Gifted to her by Prince William following the birth of Prince George, Kate Middleton’s eternity ring is fairly minimalistic. Made of 18kt white gold and hand set with 0.23ct of sparkling white diamonds, it’s a timeless piece that oozes with everyday elegance.
It’s not unusual for Kate to wear jewellery from high street jewellers – not only did Prince William gift her a pair of £100 Sezane earrings for Christmas in 2022, but she also debuted a new pair of earrings at the 2023 BAFTA’s that cost just £17.99 from Zara. Kate’s eternity ring is available from Annoushka for £1,500 – an incredibly modest price tag for a royal piece.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
Why did Kate not wear her engagement ring?
Kate’s reason for removing her engagement ring yesterday is likely to be down to health and safety.
It’s not the first time Kate has removed her precious jewel for a hospital visit – for her visit to Evelina Children’s Hospital in 2020, she was wearing just her wedding ring. Two years earlier, when she spent time with the children at Great Ormond Street, she did the same.
It’s not just hospital visits that Kate has ditched her engagement ring for and it was absent during the families 2022 outing to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which left royal fans wondering where it was. She was also without it just a day earlier, when she visited Plymouth to take part in a Team Great Britain race against New Zealand in a friendly ‘Commonwealth Race’ around the south coast of England.
Kate typically removes her engagement ring whenever she is taking part in physical activities and sports or when there is a greater risk that the ring could become damaged or lost.
Kate’s engagement ring, which was formerly Princess Diana’s, features a 12 carat Ceylon sapphire, originating from Sri Lanka. The most valuable royal engagement ring, our experts estimate it to be worth a staggering £390,000.
If you’re looking for jewellery to rival royalty, our team can design bespoke creations, tailored to you. From engagement rings and wedding rings to necklaces and pendants, your options are endless.
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