‘She needs a fresh start’, royal fans spot Kate Middleton has swapped out Diana’s £390k sapphire ring for new heirloom
The Princess of Wales has switched out her engagement ring for a sparkly eternity band in a touching new video.
Kate Middleton, 42, joined her family in a personal video filmed in Norfolk last month to confirm she was returning to public duties after completing her chemotherapy course.
The heartfelt message showed Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three children in a light the royal family have never been seen in before.
Kate’s earnest message about her cancer journey is spoken over images of the Waleses and their children as they enjoy the outdoors walking through woods and enjoying family time.
Princess Kate and Prince William were seen holding hands and cuddling in the images as she updated the public on her journey.
In one clip, the mum-of–three could be seen walking through a field as she said: “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.”
As she holds out her hands to play with the tall grass it put her wedding rings on full display and royal fans were quick to notice a significant change.
It seems Kate Middleton has switched out her £390k engagement ring which featured a sapphire and once belonged to her mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana.
After spotting the change royal fans suggested the ring (which Kate wore in her last appearance congratulating Team GB on the Paris Olympics) is likely a gift from Prince William and could be the sign of a ‘fresh start’ now her chemotherapy treatment has ended.
Fans began to speculate in the comments section of the post shared to the Kensington palace Instagram account.
One person wrote: “Why isn’t she wearing her ring?”
Another commented: “I wonder if she needs a fresh start from wearing Diana’s ring, something for this next phase of her life? Or perhaps she will wear Diana’s ring occasionally or formal events?”
“Why is she not wearing Diana’s ring yet again? they want us to notice, with the focus on this at 10 seconds in,” penned a third.
But it’s not the first time Kate has showcased the new piece of jewellery – she wore the bejewelled band in a video congratulating Team GB on their success in the Paris Olympics.
The thick gold ring appears to be set with diamonds and sapphires much like her engagement ring which once belong to Prince William’s mum, Princess Diana.
The Prince of Wales proposed in 2010 with the 12-carat sapphire ring set in 18-carat gold and encrusted with 14 solitaire diamonds on a trip to Kenya.
Kate Middleton's Statement
Kate, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, shared a poignant video that shows her playing with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in Norfolk as she announced she was finished with treatment.
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.
Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted.
Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time.
Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.
He later revealed that he carried the valuable heirloom around in a rucksack for three weeks beforehand.
“Obviously, [Diana]’s not going to be around to share in any of the fun and excitement of it all, so this is my way of keeping her close,” he explained after the engagement was announced.
Kate revealed she was looking forward to being back at work and partaking in public engagements in the up and coming months.
The Princess of Wales announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy.
She said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
At the time, Kate had been absent from official events following major abdominal surgery in January.
She said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, the royal thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
Her voice also cracked as she said she has broken the news to George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis.
Kate added: “This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“Most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”