The one thing missing from Meghan Markle's outfit

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out for two engagements on Commonwealth Day on Monday and royal watchers noticed a small detail about Meghan’s jewellery.

The mum-to-be, who is around eight months pregnant, was not wearing her three-stone engagement ring for her visit to Canada House or at Westminster Abbey for the annual service.

While it may have been through choice (Meghan did wear it on International Women’s Day either) she could be experiencing one common symptom during her third trimester.

Many women experience oedema – swelling of the hands and feet due to a build-up of fluid – during the later stages of pregnancy.

Therefore, some mothers-to-be decide to take off their rings if their fingers are swollen.

The NHS website advises those who are experiencing oedema should try to avoid standing for long periods and get plenty of rest with your feet up, wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.

The duchess is reportedly keen to work right up to the birth, expected at the end of April. Since the beginning of the year, she has been carrying out visits to her first four patronages, as well as accompanying husband Harry at his various projects.

The duchess has not announced when her last engagement will be before she starts her maternity leave, but sister-in-law Kate typically began hers around a month before her due date with all three of her children.

Got a story tip? Send it to lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com

Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.