Is Kate Middleton’s missing engagement ring a royal red flag or just a family love symbol?

Kate Middleton’s iconic sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring, inherited from Princess Diana, is more than just a symbol of royal lineage. Sometime back, Kate Middleton was seen multiple times without her famous engagement ring, which has led to growing speculation about her relationship with Prince William.

Kate opts to wear an eternity stack of rings

In recent appearances, especially her more intimate or health-focused engagements, like at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Kate has opted for a delicate stack of eternity bands instead of the prominent sapphire ring. Jewelry analysts estimate the collection is worth around £10,000–£13,000, significantly less than the value of her heirloom. As reported by GB News, the Princess of Wales appears to have swapped her iconic sapphire-and-diamond ring for a “more practical” set of eternity rings.

The ring initially belonged to Princess Diana

Kate’s engagement ring is a 12-carat oval Ceylon or Sri Lankan sapphire, encircled by 14 solitaire diamonds and set in 18k white gold. Originally chosen by Diana from a Garrard catalogue in 1981, the ring was not custom-made. Its sentimental weight grew exponentially when William proposed with it. According to the British Vogue, today its value is estimated between £300,000 and £400,000, with some experts expecting it to increase further due to its storied history.

What does the ‘practical’ ring stack include

According to GB News, Kate’s new ring stack usually includes a Cartier Étincelle sapphire-and-diamond band, which was a 13th-anniversary gift from Prince William. She also wears a diamond eternity ring that William gave her after Prince George was born. Along with these, she wears a simple white diamond band and her classic Welsh gold wedding ring.

There are contrasting views as well

Wearing different rings based on context isn’t new among the royals; several princesses do the same, favoring simpler jewelry for private or relaxed moments.

Lauren Kiehna, founder of The Court Jeweller blog, told PEOPLE,"Many of these eternity bands reflect family relationships. Given that her children's birthstones are rubies, emeralds and diamonds, it wouldn't surprise me if the gems set in the new ring are linked to George, Charlotte and Louis," Kate’s change of the ring may also subtly signal a new phase in her public life, focusing on family, healing, and early-years advocacy, while also honouring her husband and her role in a quieter, more personal way.