Many royal watchers couldn’t help but notice that Kate had chosen a unique ring for the surprise video. Despite the upbeat mood, the ring sat exquisitely on her wedding band finger. Fans initially speculated that the piece could be the commitment ring Prince William gifted to Kate when they first began dating at St Andrews University.
Friends, DC insiders, and Melania Trump herself revealed to Ben Judah in 2020, on the eve of the US presidential election, how a small Slovenian fashion model rose to become the First Lady. Set in a rose gold Victorian band, the Promis Ring features the birthstones of the royal couple: pearls for the prince, born in June, and garnets for the princess, born in January. The garnet gemstones, which a young Kate Middleton wore on her graduation day, are said to symbolize commitment, while pearls represent innocence and purity. Due to its sentimental significance, a Steven Stone jewelry expert described the ring as priceless in the Princess of Wales's very high-value jewelry collection.
Others, however, suggested that the mysterious ring was not a sentimental reminder of the couple’s college years but appeared to be a gold band set with sapphires and diamonds. Commentators assumed it was an eternity ring, possibly the same one Prince William allegedly presented to Kate as a memento of the birth of their first son, Prince George. This ring seems to replace Kate Middleton’s most famous piece of jewelry, Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
The choice of Princess Diana’s engagement ring sparked some controversy, as royals traditionally commissioned bespoke pieces for such occasions, and this piece was already in the jeweler's catalog. It quickly became a favorite of the late Princess of Wales, who passed it on to her sons after her death in 1997. Initially, Prince Harry owned the sapphire ring, but he offered it to his brother William when the prince proposed to Kate Middleton.
The Royal Fashion Police’s Instagram followers noted that the ring in the Olympic celebration video is noticeably thinner than the engagement ring, which is fitting for the casual setting of William and Kate’s tribute to Team GB. One commenter remarked that it was nice to have a ring with a lower physical profile for everyday wear, calling it a lovely alternative to her engagement ring. This more understated approach to royal jewelry comes as Kate Middleton has been reemerging in public life while continuing chemotherapy treatment.
The princess lit up Centre Court during an appearance at Wimbledon’s gentlemen’s final following her stunning return to royal engagements at Trooping the Colour. However, insiders claim that Kate’s cancer diagnosis has altered her priorities. Sources advised The Daily Beast that Kate will maintain a much lower profile than before, with fewer public engagements even after her expected full recovery.
Prince William and Kate Middleton reflected on the incredible journey of the Paris Olympics in a separate message, saying, “All-round good job, Team GB. What an amazing journey. Each competitor showed immense commitment, hard work, and passion. We were all so proud of you.” King Charles also celebrated the sporting accomplishments of Great Britain in Paris. The King expressed his warmest congratulations to Britain's athletes in a message on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla, stating, “Your accomplishments across so many disciplines were forged from that important blend of raw talent, genuine grit, and hard work over numerous years. These past weeks were brightened by sportsmanship and camaraderie in the best tradition of the games.”