Katherine Middleton Becomes First Princess of Wales in a Century to Earn Rare Royal Distinction
Katherine Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has made history as the first royal in nearly a century to be granted a prestigious distinction. Yet, despite her new role, she remains prohibited from partaking in one significant royal tradition.
From her tireless humanitarian efforts to her undeniable charm, Princess Diana, Katherine's late mother-in-law, has cemented her legacy as the "People's Princess." In her 36 years, Diana championed over 100 charities and frequently visited hospitals across the UK, brightening the lives of patients and staff alike. Katherine, who inherited Diana's title in 2022, seems determined to continue this legacy.
This week, a short video featuring Katherine made waves, sparking intrigue over an unusual detail. As the Princess stepped into her first solo official engagement since 2023, she paid a heartfelt visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London—a place close to her heart, as it was where she received treatment and has since been declared in remission.
While meeting with patients at the hospital, one detail stood out: Katherine was not wearing her iconic sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring, an heirloom from Princess Diana. Instead, she sported a different statement piece—a sapphire-and-diamond eternity band reportedly gifted to her by Prince William.
This isn’t the first time the famous 12-carat sapphire ring has been absent. Over the past year, it has appeared and disappeared from her hand, leaving royal watchers puzzled. In March 2024, the Princess was spotted ringless in a Mother’s Day photo, which sparked a flurry of online speculation.
The eternity band first caught the public’s attention in August 2024 when Katherine showed her support for Team Great Britain after their performance at the Paris Olympics. It reappeared during her visit to the families of the Southport stabbing victims and, now, during her hospital visit.
One theory for the ring’s absence points to hygiene. For medical visits, the Princess may have chosen to forgo her iconic ring for cleanliness. During past engagements at hospitals, such as her visit to London’s Children’s Day Surgery unit in 2023 or Royal Liverpool University Hospital earlier that year, the ring was present. However, with new protocols and medical guidance, she may have opted to leave it behind for safety reasons.
Still, the ring mystery extends beyond hospital visits. The eternity band seems to carry its own significance, possibly as a nod to Diana’s iconic ring or even a callback to a promise ring Prince William gave Katherine during their university days, featuring their birthstones: garnets and pearls.
During her first major solo engagement in over a year, Katherine met with patients, offering words of encouragement while expressing gratitude to the hospital staff for their compassion and exceptional care.
The visit also coincided with an announcement from Kensington Palace: Katherine will join her husband as a joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden, a role previously held by Princess Diana. Diana was appointed patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in 1989 and remained in the role until her untimely death in 1997. Diana’s connection to the hospital extended beyond her formal patronage, as she took an early interest in its work and patients.
As Katherine continues to honor Diana’s legacy, her recent visit serves as a poignant reminder of the values the late Princess upheld. Whether through her choice of jewelry, her compassionate work, or her new patronage role, Katherine Middleton is not only stepping into Diana’s shoes but carving a path uniquely her own.
