Kate Middleton Swaps Sapphire Engagement Ring for Promise Ring in New Video

It was the post-Olympics moment many were waiting for: Just as the 2024 Olympic Games concluded, Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a congratulatory video on their Instagram account, featuring familiar faces like David Beckham and Snoop Dogg, to celebrate Team Great Britain’s achievements.

The brief appearance of the Prince and Princess of Wales—who are currently enjoying their summer holiday at Balmoral—generated much excitement. While some fans were taken by William’s beard and Kate’s now-signature Breton top, keen-eyed observers noticed something more intriguing. Kate’s notable 12-carat diamond and sapphire engagement ring, famously once worn by the late Princess Diana, was replaced with a promise ring.

So, is this promise ring new?

The promise ring, a pearl and garnet rose gold piece, reportedly symbolizes the birth months of both royals—pearl for William’s June birthday and garnet for Kate’s January birthday. According to People, this ring was a gift from Prince William to Kate during their early days as students at St. Andrews University in the early 2000s. Yet, other publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue speculate that the ring might be a new addition, possibly a 13th-anniversary wedding gift from William.

We sought clarity on the matter from Bethan Holt, features director for The Telegraph and author of The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Royal Style. Holt believes the ring is new, citing the setting of the stones as evidence. “From what I’ve seen, this looks like a new ring due to the setting of the stones. Of course, it’s really hard to tell when it’s such a momentary glimpse, but all clues point in that direction,” she said.

In a piece written by Holt for The Telegraph, Kensington Palace declined to comment on the origins of the ring. The understated change seems to fit well with Kate’s personal style. Known for her preference for simpler jewelry despite the extensive royal collection at her disposal, the promise ring is practical for casual summer days and family activities.

Should the ring indeed be a new gift from Prince William, this thoughtful gesture is perhaps even more significant given the challenges of the past year. Promise rings, or eternity bands, are modern and versatile, with the option to personalize them for sentimental value, such as incorporating birthstones of family members. They are also more suitable for everyday wear, making them a popular accessory.

While the palace might have hoped William’s beard would be the main topic of interest, the subtle, sentimental jewelry change did not go unnoticed.

The world of royal fashion remains compelling, continuously sparking trends and capturing the public’s imagination. The Prince and Princess of Wales’s simple yet poignant gestures often speak volumes and never fail to attract attention.

Source: People, Harper’s Bazaar, The Telegraph