Kate Middleton's missing engagement ring a 'subtle nod' about relationship with Prince William

's choice to and precious during a recent public visit set fans' tongues wagging.

But one expert has revealed that there are not just multiple practical reasons for why the may have left her iconic engagement ring — which was originally 's — at home, but more personal ones, too.

Kate is known for sporting the breathtaking piece on public occasions except during athletic events or hospital visits, but during what was her first official engagement since the end of her chemotherapy treatment it was noticeably absent. Kate's surprise appearance saw her join in Southport, to meet with the families of victims and emergency workers who were caught up in the horrific , including three little girls who were killed at a themed party during the summer holidays.

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And fans who were delighted to see accompanying William once again also noticed she was wearing several 'eternity bands' and her wedding ring, but her famous sapphire engagement ring was missing.

Jewellery expert Ella Citron-Thompkins, from told the : “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 jewellery 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.

“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. With the rumours 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. "

The expert added: 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 has used the eternity rings in its place to help disperse any rumours.

"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.”

Fans of royal fashion have been pouring over Kate's new jewellery 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.

And Ella explains the new choice of rings could be a "perfect" nod to a ring William gave his wife when they first began their relationship.

“The eternity rings look to be a more subtle and understated band compared to her sizable engagement ring," Ella said. "The style of the rings seems to be gold composed with small gemstones which are either garnets or sapphires. This looks to resemble the promise ring that Prince William gave Kate at university when they first started dating; this was a rose-gold Victorian band embellished with pearls and garnets: representing both their birthstones. If the stones are sapphires, then it is the perfect homage to the ring it replaced."

Ella added: “Kate Middleton’s usual jewellery style tends to be very influenced and dependent on what outfit she has chosen to wear. Because of this, she has been seen to style both gold and silver jewellery. The designs of her rings and earrings are traditionally fitting for the modern of jewellery trends, with intricate gold and silver designs that emboss gemstones to give them a subtle statement. Amongst her favourites are pearls which are fitting for them being Prince William’s birthstone.

"When it comes to bracelets, her affinity for intricate gold and silver designs also takes precedence. Only seen on her right hand, she opts for designs that feature textured bands of chains or gemstones. This is also mirrored in her necklace choices, which tend to feature a small chain, donned with a statement gemstone pendant. Her choice for gemstones sets the bar for current trends as we are seeing more and more commercial jewellery opt for more traditional stones like emeralds and sapphires, similar to the Princess’ style of garnets and pearls.”

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.

There's also a buzz that Kate'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.

On TikTok, royal aficionado and fashion historian Victoria Campbell pointed out: "Princess Catherine was not wearing her engagement ring at the [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." She added: "Of the [public] appearances and of the times we have seen her, she hasn't been wearing it."