Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has sparked speculation about her marriage to Prince William by frequently appearing without her iconic engagement ring, a 12-carat sapphire and diamond piece once belonging to Princess Diana, valued at £300,000. Instead, she’s opted for a £10,000 stack of eternity rings, including a Cartier 'Étincelle' band and a diamond eternity ring gifted by William after Prince George’s birth, per GB News. While some view this as a practical choice for active engagements, royal watchers question if it signals marital trouble, especially after last year’s rumors of an affair with Rose Hanbury during Kate’s cancer diagnosis recovery.

Social media buzz, including Reddit comments, suggests tabloids are hinting at a strained relationship, with one user calling them “co-workers” focused on the monarchy. Kate’s attachment to the ring, worn during gardening and scuba diving, makes its absence notable. Despite no official comment, the switch continues to drive intrigue about the royal couple’s bond.