Princess Kate’s recent public appearance in Southport has sparked intrigue as she was spotted without her iconic sapphire engagement ring.

The absence of the ring, once belonging to Princess Diana, has led to speculation about its connection to Meghan Markle’s similar situation.

Both royal women have been seen without their engagement rings in recent outings, prompting curiosity among royal watchers.

Kate’s choice to wear alternative jewellery during her first official engagement since completing chemotherapy treatment has been interpreted by experts as a potential “subtle nod” to her relationship with Prince William.

Meanwhile, Meghan’s missing ring during solo appearances has fuelled discussions about the Sussexes’ new approach to work and public engagements.

During her visit to Southport, Kate was seen wearing several eternity bands alongside her wedding ring, but her famous sapphire engagement ring was noticeably absent.

Jewellery expert Ella Citron-Thompkins told The Mirror: “The Princess of Wales may have chosen to wear the eternity brands to represent her relationship with Prince William surpassing several major milestones – like anniversaries or births – or as a show of love and commitment.”

The expert suggested this could be a “subtle nod to the public by Kate and William that they are in love more than ever.”

Princess Kate did not wear her sapphire engagement ring that belonged to Princess Diana on her most recent outing

Citron-Thompkins also noted practical reasons for the ring’s absence, such as cleaning or resizing, and added that Kate might prefer to keep the “extraordinary and very precious” ring safe at home for most engagements.

Meghan has also been spotted without her engagement ring during recent solo appearances. During a visit to Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, Meghan was seen wearing various pieces of jewellery but her engagement ring was notably absent.

This was not the first time Meghan was pictured without her ring; she was seen without it at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf last year.

A source told Page Six at the time that the ring was “being fixed”. However, Meghan wore the ring at a recent film premiere, suggesting it may have been repaired.

Meghan Markle also did not wear her engagement ring on her most recent outing

The duchess’s engagement ring, designed by Prince Harry, features diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection and one from Botswana.

Meghan’s ring underwent a redesign in 2019, with the original gold band replaced by a thinner micropave band.

The absence of engagement rings for both Kate and Meghan has drawn comparisons between the two royal women.

Meghan Markle pictured wearing her eternity ring alongside her engagement ring in Florida earlier this yearPA

While Kate’s missing ring has been interpreted as a symbol of her enduring relationship with William, Meghan’s situation appears more complex.

Kate’s sapphire ring has remained largely unchanged, while Meghan opted for a thinner micropave band in 2019.

The significance of their jewellery choices extends beyond aesthetics, often reflecting personal milestones or practical considerations.