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Kate Middleton Just Made an Appearance & There's Something Missing from Her Ring Finger

It’s getting harder to keep track

kate middleton ring finger uni
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Four days ago, when Kate Middleton visited the Welsh charity Tŷ Hafan, one of the first things I noticed was her diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

If you're wondering why that's such a big deal, it's because the Princess of Wales previously ditched the iconic piece and opted for an eternity band at past royal engagements—like when she returned to The Royal Marsden earlier in January. Now, however, it appears the princess has switched up her jewelry again.

In case you missed it, the 43-year-old royal recently visited the National Portrait Gallery for the launch of the Bobeam Tree Trail—a new initiative that aims to support the development of social and emotional skills in children. For the occasion, she donned a monochromatic navy ensemble with a brown blazer, but on her wedding ring finger was...not her sapphire engagement ring.

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

In place of the popular family heirloom was the same eternity band that she initially swapped the ring out for.

Why Middleton has switched out her engagement ring (again) is unclear, but some experts have valid theories. Per royal writer and historian Lauren Kiehna from The Court Jeweller, Middleton may have swapped the accessory for practical reasons, like the ring's size and appearance. Kiehna explained, "On that occasion, photographs showed the heavy ring turning on her finger, suggesting that it might be too big to comfortably wear at the moment."

Also, according to jewelry expert Phil Grosso from Amore Fine Jewelry, there may be a deeper meaning behind Middleton's go-to replacement ring.

He said, "Eternity rings have long been a symbol of unending love, commitment, and connection. Given Kate’s affinity for personal pieces, this ring may represent resilience and strength, especially after her health journey."

Grosso added, "The sapphires likely link back to her famous engagement ring, creating a beautiful connection between generations of royal women, while the eternity band symbolizes moving forward with grace—eternal love and hope for the future."

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