Princess of Wales Sparks Speculation Over Health and Safety Concerns
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, left fans intrigued during her recent visit to The Royal Marsden hospital when she chose not to wear her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
The stunning jewel, a gift from Prince William during his 2010 proposal, is one of the most recognisable royal accessories. Featuring a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, the ring once belonged to Princess Diana. However, Catherine opted for her gold wedding band and a glittering eternity ring debuted last summer during her latest outing.
Royal observers speculate the decision may have been tied to health and safety considerations, particularly given the practicalities of wearing such a large gemstone during a hospital visit.
Catherine is rarely seen without the ring, which she wears for major occasions such as Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon, and Remembrance services. Yet, this is not the first time she has left the precious piece at home for certain engagements.
Some fans theorise that the Princess prefers to limit wearing the heirloom to special events due to its sentimental and historical value. While there were claims that the ring had been resized after William’s proposal in Kenya, Catherine clarified during a 2023 visit to Wales, "Same ring and exactly the same – the same size."
Despite leaving the iconic piece behind on select occasions, the Princess continues to captivate with her thoughtful and elegant jewellery choices. Her decision to forgo the ring at The Royal Marsden highlights her practical approach, reflecting her ability to adapt her style to suit the setting while maintaining her timeless grace.
