When it was announced last month that Kate Middleton had finished chemotherapy treatment following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, it was also revealed that the Princess of Wales would be making a slow and measured return to public duties. It now appears that we're seeing the start of that process, as Kate made her first official outing post-chemotherapy today with her husband, Prince William.
The royal couple traveled to Southport, in the north west of England, where three young girls were killed in a knife attack this summer, to show their support for the community and the first responders involved in the tragedy. Presenting a united front, both royals both opted for outfits of dark neutrals accented by burgundy, while Kate chose to complete the look with a ring stack that looked familiar to fans of the princess.
The quartet of rings, worn on Kate's left ring finger, appears to include her Welsh gold wedding band, the Annoushka eternity band that's widely believed to have been a present from William after the birth of their first child, Prince George, an additional diamond band, and her latest addition—what looks to be a diamond and sapphire eternity band, which she was spotted wearing in the video announcement that she had completed her cancer treatment.
While little is known about the new ring, the blue and white stones do evoke Kate's famous 12-carat sapphire engagement ring, which originally belong to the late Princess Diana. Historically, Kate hasn't always made appearances in the sapphire ring, often taken off the large stone for sportier exploits as well as when meeting with medical staff or when visiting hospitals to avoid hygiene hazards. It's possible that this new, smaller version is a nod to Diana's ring that could be more practical for Kate's everyday way, though as yet the Palace has not commented on the new piece.
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
