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Kate Middleton steps out without her engagement ring

Her engagement ring is probably one of the most recognisable pieces of bling in the world but yesterday, Kate left her sapphire sparkler at home for an official royal visit.

The 38-year-old Duchess of Cambridge joined a workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery's Hospital Programme at Evelina Children's Hospital in London yesterday.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge steps out of her chauffeur driven Jaguar I-PACE electric car as she arrives to join a workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery's Hospital Programme at Evelina Children's Hospital on January 28, 2020 in London, England. HRH is Patron of Evelina London Children's Hospital and Patron of the National Portrait Gallery.
Kate Middleton stepped out for a royal visit without her engagement ring. Photo: Getty Images

When she stepped out of her Jaguar electric car, there was one glaringly obvious difference about the Duchess - she had ditched her iconic engagement ring.

Kate smiled at waiting fans as she arrived wearing a tweed Dolce and Gabbana suit, which she paired with her trusty pair of Gianvito Rossi black suede pumps.

She also wore her Mappin and Webb diamond earrings and matching empress pendant for the event.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (hand and wedding ring detail) joins a workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery's Hospital Programme at Evelina Children's Hospital on January 28, 2020 in London, England. HRH is Patron of Evelina London Children's Hospital and Patron of the National Portrait Gallery.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore her wedding band. Photo: Getty Images
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watches Great Britain Mixed Coxed Four Rowing - LTAMix4+ team celebrate after winning gold on day 4 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Eton Dorney on September 2, 2012 in Windsor, England.
Kate's iconic ring was nowhere to be seen. Photo: Getty Images

While she definitely wasn’t lacking a scattering of diamonds, fans quickly noticed her engagement ring, which used to belong to Princess Diana, was missing and the Duchess’ eternity ring.

Instead, Kate simply donned her plain wedding ring on her ring finger.

However, it seems there’s a pretty important reason for the diamond being absent from her hands, as it was down to hospital policies.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge steps out of her chauffeur driven Jaguar I-PACE electric car as she arrives to join a workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery's Hospital Programme at Evelina Children's Hospital on January 28, 2020 in London, England. HRH is Patron of Evelina London Children's Hospital and Patron of the National Portrait Gallery.
Kate looked stunning in a Dolce and Gabbana suit. Photo: Getty Images

Hello! Magazine confirmed that Kate decided to remove her diamond rings due to health and safety reasons.

Kate was visiting the children’s ward in the hospital and deemed it responsible to remove any possible hygiene hazards.

Prince William got down on one knee in October 2010 to pop the question to Kate Middleton with his late mother, Princess Diana’s, engagement ring.

The 12-carat sapphire ring, which is surrounded by a halo of diamonds, was resized to fit on Kate’s finger.

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