Princess Kate replaced her sapphire engagement ring with a new jewel as she joined forces with Prince William.

The Princess of Wales made her first joint official outing with the Prince of Wales since her chemotherapy ended, by meeting the bereaved families of the Southport stabbing victims.

However, Kate, 42, decided to go without her oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold.

The late Princess Diana chose the ring when she was presented with a selection of options by the then-Crown jewellers, Garrard of Mayfair, upon her engagement to then-Prince Charles.

Princess Kate replaces sapphire engagement ring with new jewel as she joins forces with Prince WilliamPA

The mother-of-three opted instead for a thin golden ring, topped with what some have speculated is a new “eternity band”.

Kate wore the accessory, set with diamonds and sapphires, in August while making a Team GB video with William, and during her heartwarming family video released last month.

Tobias Kormind, the co-founder and MD of 77 Diamonds, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweller, told GB News that the new ring is likely an “eternity” ring meant to symbolise William and Kate’s love.

He continued: “Kate’s new ring may be a symbol of hope for new beginnings, with an emotional tie to the past.

Prince William and Princess Kate arrived in Southport to meet with bereaved families of the stabbing victims

“Eternity rings represent everlasting love, and this style of ring echoed the sentiment of the moving video, where Kate was seen spending time with those closest to her.”

Kate paired her new ring with a burgundy polka dot dress from the brand Whistles, which is currently on sale for £59.

She also wore an Alexander McQueen coat and Gianvito Rossi high heels that cost £595.

To accessorise, Kate carried a £395 brown clutch bag from Emmy London.

Princess Kate did not wear her sapphire engagement ring that belonged to Princess Diana

This was Princess Kate’s first active working engagement in 2024

She additionally wore £165 gold fern earrings from the brand Zoraida.

Prince William had promised to visit the families and local community as soon as possible, and his visit had long been scheduled for Thursday.

But the decision by Princess Kate to join him was more recent.

It is understood she wanted to “show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community”.