A whirlwind trip to Northern Ireland this week was notable for the Princess of Wales’s hilarious plea to be permitted to drive a fire engine through Belfast’s streets “at full speed”, complete with flashing lights and squealing siren. While Kate Middleton’s plea was politely declined, she succeeded in capturing spectators’ focus by displaying a piece of jewellery valued at more than most people’s properties.
The princess is celebrated for regularly recycling her fashion favourites, and she maintained that approach during her Belfast excursion with a tailored green Alexander McQueen coat she initially wore in 2020. However, she elevated the Sarah Burton design with a breathtaking five-ring collection featuring both her wedding and engagement bands. The complete collection, which specialists have estimated to be valued at no less than $527k (approximately £393,000) features the renowned 12-carat sapphire engagement ring that was originallly owned by the late Princess Diana.
Additional components of the extraordinary ring collection include Kate’s Welsh gold wedding band, two eternity rings presented by her spouse Prince William, and a fifth – currently unidentified – ring seemingly crafted from platinum.
Both of Kate’s eternity bands were crafted by high-society jewellers G. Collins and Sons.
Angie Kennedy, vice president of merchandising for luxury jewellery brand Zalles, revealed to Elle Magazine that Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is priceless due to its historical significance: “When Diana selected this ring herself back in 1981, she broke royal tradition – it wasn’t custom-made but chosen from a jeweller’s catalogue.
“That choice was very forward-thinking and in line with what we see brides doing today: picking a ring that reflects their personal taste. The bold Ceylon sapphire centre stone, paired with a halo of diamonds, made coloured gemstones and halo styles highly desirable.”
The iconic ring was purchased from Royal jewellers Garrard and Co., who currently sell similar items for between £14,000 and £21,000. However, Angie Kennedy values Kate’s ring far above that.
“Experts estimate the diamonds together weigh about six carats, with each stone close to half a carat,” she said, estimating its value at around $500,000 (£375k), adding: “Of course, its history and royal connection make Kate’s specific ring truly priceless.”
The worth of Kate’s engagement ring significantly overshadows that of its accompanying eternity rings, which would likely retail for between £3750 and £11,000 each.
During her appearance at Wimbledon in 2025, the princess was only wearing four of the rings, and she has been known to leave her hefty engagement ring at home on certain occasions as well.
Royal expert Christine Ross, co-presenter of The Royal Dress Code podcast, revealed to Town and Country Magazine that Kate Middleton appears to be adopting a more casual approach to her attire following last year’s health scare.
She shared: “While she may have scrutinised and analysed every fashion decision in the past, one could assume that she is funnelling less energy into minute details and more energy into how she feels day to day.
“Some days she feels like wearing a more relaxed stack of rings, and other days she dons the iconic and historic sapphire engagement ring.”