The Prince and Princess of Wales recently paid tribute to all of Team Great Britain’s athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics. They appeared in a video alongside an array of famous icons to sing the athletes’ praises. However, many found themselves transfixed with a certain shiny piece of jewelry glimmering on the princess’ left hand.
User comment about Princess Catherine’s new ring, posted on August 11, 2024 | Source: X/@BishopPaulMK
Kicking things off with legendary rap mogul Snoop Dogg, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ video shone a spotlight on the amazing feats and accomplishments Team Great Britain achieved throughout the Games.
Snoop Dogg at the Women’s Breaking dance competition during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on August 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“From all of us watching at home congratulations to Team GB,” Princess Catherine expressed as she stood next to her beau, Prince William. “Well done on all you’ve achieved, you’ve been an inspiration to us all,” added the prince from their Norfolk holiday home.
Princess Catherine and Prince William congratulating Team GB athletes in a video, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Although the prince and princess were joined by big sports stars like David Beckham and famous TV hosts and broadcasters like Gabby Logan and Clare Balding, the public focused their attention on the royal couple.
David Beckham congratulating Team GB athletes in a video, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
For the congratulatory dedication, Princess Catherine looked radiant in a chic Ralph Lauren top and left her dark locks loose. Prince William, who looked handsome with his stubble, sported a custom Team GB Adidas shirt.
Princess Catherine and Prince William congratulating Team GB athletes in a video, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
“Well done @teamgb, what an incredible journey! Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart, and passion. You made us all so proud! Here’s to celebrating every triumph at @paris2024 and looking forward to more from @paralympicsgb_official later in the summer 
,” penned the prince and princess in their heartfelt caption.
Team GB’s bronze medalists for the Men’s 4 x 400m Relay during the medal ceremony at the Paris Olympics in Paris, France on August 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While their feature in the video was as quick as lightning, Princess Catherine’s ring finger did not go unnoticed by eagle-eyed netizens. A stunning gold band set with gemstones delicately sat on her wedding ring finger.
Princess Catherine and Prince William congratulating Team GB athletes in a video, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
This ring was quickly noticed as different from Princess Catherine’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to her husband’s legendary late mother, Princess Diana.
Princess Catherine and Prince William congratulating Team GB athletes in a video, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Initially, many netizens believed the new ring to be the promise ring she had received as a gift from Prince William. At the time of gifting her, he was still her boyfriend, while the two were still students at St Andrews University.
Prince William and Princess Catherine at a field game in Eton, England on March 18, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
“Oh? Catherine was clearly wearing her wedding ring in the 
, but not her engagement ring. Instead, she was wearing one that looks new or that we hadn’t seen before. On Tumblr, there was initial speculation that it might be the ring William gave Catherine with their birthstones,” asserted a social media user.
According to a media outlet, this ring is set in a rose-gold Victorian band and features both Princess Catherine and Prince William’s birthstones.
While the prince’s birthstone is a pearl because his birthday is in June, the princess’ birthstone is a garnet to represent her birth month—January.
Prince William and Princess Catherine at a Christmas Party for families and children of deployed personnel in London, England on December 4, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The garnets on the promise ring that Princess Catherine wore on the day of her graduation are reported to represent commitment. On the other hand, the pearls symbolize purity and innocence. A Steven Stone jewelry expert dubbed the ring “priceless,” particularly because of its sentimental significance.
Princess Catherine arriving at a graduation ceremony at St Andrews University in St Andrew’s, Scotland on June 15, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some people are under the impression that the ring Princess Catherine was seen wearing in the video is not her promise ring but an eternity ring. This cohort of the public also noted how they spotted diamonds and sapphires as opposed to pearls and garnets.
Princess Catherine visiting Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, England on October 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Reportedly, this ring was gifted to Princess Catherine by Prince William to commemorate the birth of their firstborn son, Prince George. “It’s an eternity ring,” stated an online observer of the ring that was seen in the video message.
Princess Catherine and Prince William holding their son Prince George after he was born at St Mary’s Hospital in London, England on July 23, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
“Catherine is wearing a new ring on her engagement wedding band finger. Is this the Sapphire Eternity band William gifted to Kate [a] few years ago? When not working, it’s a nice idea not to wear her very large engagement sapphire ring. Espec on vacation,” commented someone on X alongside a close-up photo of the ring.
Princess Catherine spotted out in St. Andrews, Scotland on June 23, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Whether the ring is indeed the eternity ring or the promise ring Prince William gifted his wife years ago is still up for debate. However, there is no mistaking that the ring is clearly different from Princess Catherine’s engagement one.
A close-up of Princess Catherine’s engagement ring during the Royal Variety Performance in London, England on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Her beautiful engagement ring is deemed a “symbol of remembrance, love, and legacy.” It features a 12-carat opal-cut sapphire, which is bolstered by 14 round-cut diamonds. Reported as a favorite of the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana left it to her sons following her demise in 1997.
