Kate Middleton’s Iconic Engagement Ring Has Been Absent—Here’s Why
While the Princess of Wales owns one of the most recognizable engagement rings in the world, royal watchers have recently noticed its absence during several of her public appearances.
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2011 with a storied heirloom: a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.
The ring, originally worn by Princess Diana, was designed by the iconic British jeweler Garrard and was purchased by Prince Charles in 1981 for £28,000. Today, its value is estimated to exceed £300,000.
Given both its immense worth and delicate craftsmanship, it’s understandable that Kate chooses to leave the ring behind for certain outings—especially those involving physical activity or public service. Most recently, she appeared without it in a Scouts promotional video, where comfort and practicality were likely top of mind.
Kate has also been known to remove the ring during hospital visits, likely in accordance with health and safety protocols. In place of the dazzling sapphire, she often opts for a simpler but deeply meaningful alternative: a stack of elegant eternity rings.
Jewelry experts at Steven Stone estimate the value of the stack at close to £10,000. Maxwell Stone told MailOnline, “Kate’s choice of rings suggests that she values subtlety and meaning over grandeur, while still maintaining an air of elegance and sophistication.”
Though the engagement ring may be seen less frequently these days, her choice to wear eternity rings instead reflects her continued bond with Prince William—and a more personal, understated way of expressing enduring love.
A Symbol of Modern Royal Style: Kate’s Meaningful Ring Stack
Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone further noted that the Princess of Wales’s ring choices reflect a deep emotional resonance. “The rings showcase her affinity for classic, timeless pieces that reflect her role as both a mother and wife,” he explained. “They’ve been carefully chosen to be meaningful rather than overtly luxurious, which aligns with her image of grace, modesty, and a strong connection to family.”
While traditional royal jewelry is often passed down through generations—think of Kate’s iconic sapphire engagement ring and her Welsh gold wedding band—her recent preference for eternity rings signals a quiet evolution in royal adornment. These newer additions to her jewelry box lean into personal symbolism, emphasizing love, motherhood, and a modern expression of commitment over strict formality.
Here’s a closer look at the rings that now make up Kate’s signature stacked style:
- Welsh Gold Wedding Band: A piece steeped in tradition, this ring ties Kate to generations of royal brides before her. The gold was mined in Wales and has been used in royal weddings since 1923.
- Diamond Eternity Ring: Believed to have been gifted after the birth of Prince George, this delicate band of diamonds symbolizes eternal love and is a subtle tribute to her growing family.
- Second Eternity Ring: A more recent addition, this ring is thought to represent a newer chapter—possibly marking Princess Charlotte or Prince Louis’s birth, or even her recent personal journey.
- Together, these rings tell a story that is both deeply personal and quietly regal—a signature look that captures Kate’s style evolution as a modern royal balancing tradition, family, and grace.
Sapphire and diamond band – estimated value: £4,700
Kate’s Subtle Sparkle: The Cartier ‘Étincelle’ Band
Among the newer additions to her elegant ring stack is the Cartier ‘Étincelle’ band, first seen in 2024. The refined piece features 19 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.24 carats, paired with 19 matching sapphires totaling 0.34 carats—an exquisite balance of sparkle and sentiment.
While unconfirmed, many royal watchers believe this understated yet meaningful ring was a thirteenth wedding anniversary gift from Prince William. Its delicate design offers a more subtle alternative to her famous sapphire engagement ring, yet it still honors her enduring love for sapphires—a stone long associated with both royalty and fidelity.
With its thoughtful mix of diamonds and sapphires, the band reflects Kate’s evolving jewelry style: sophisticated, symbolic, and perfectly suited to a future queen who values meaning just as much as beauty.
Slim diamond band – estimated value: £1,000
The Mystery Diamond Band: Understated and Elegant
Another standout in Kate’s refined ring stack is a slim white diamond band whose origin remains a mystery. Though no official details have been confirmed, the elegant piece has not gone unnoticed—capturing the attention of fans, royal watchers, and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone believes the band is more than just a decorative touch. “It’s a thoughtfully chosen piece,” he shared, “complementing her other rings while maintaining a refined simplicity.”
Its quiet presence reflects Kate’s broader approach to royal fashion—elegant without being extravagant, meaningful without demanding attention. Whether it’s a personal gift or a private purchase, the ring speaks volumes about her preference for subtle symbolism and timeless beauty.
Diamond eternity ring – estimated value: £1,500
The Sentimental Sparkle: Annoushka Eclipse Eternity Ring
A cherished piece in Kate’s collection is the pavé-set eternity ring from Annoushka’s Eclipse collection, gifted by Prince William after the birth of their first child, Prince George.
Crafted from 18-carat white gold and hand-set with 0.23 carats of delicate diamonds, the ring is both luxurious and deeply personal.
Over the years, Kate has worn the piece in various combinations—sometimes alongside her iconic sapphire engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band, and other times as a standalone statement of quiet elegance.
More than just a beautiful accessory, the ring reflects the Princess of Wales’s preference for meaningful jewelry that marks life’s most treasured moments. It’s a fitting favorite for someone who consistently chooses sentiment over flash, and subtlety over grandeur.
Wedding band – estimated value: £2,300
A Ring Rooted in Tradition: Kate’s Welsh Gold Wedding Band
Kate Middleton’s wedding ring, crafted from rare Welsh yellow gold, follows a longstanding royal tradition shared by Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and other royal brides before her. Though modest in appearance and less flashy than her engagement or eternity rings, it carries deep historical significance.
Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone explains, “While its gold content may not hold high retail value, considering the nugget of gold it was made from—and the legacy of the lady who wears it—it is likely to be worth a lot more in the coming years.”
The band stands as a symbol of continuity and duty, reflecting Kate’s deep respect for royal heritage and her role within it. In a collection filled with sentimental meaning, this ring holds a uniquely enduring place.
