Kate Middleton has always been in the limelight for her unique sense of style. From her gowns to her tiaras, the Duchess of Cambridge has always managed to draw attention from the royal watchers. Now, the replica of her £1 million sapphire and diamond engagement ring went missing from Princess Diana's jewellery collection, going on sale, it was believed that the Duchess must have banned it.
Is it because she thinks it's inappropriate to sell cheap copies of the ring that she wears every day or is it because the ring holds deep personal significance? Actually, it's both, said a royal source.
The original ring belonged to Princess Diana and its replica was expected to be the centre piece of "Princess Diana Jewellery Collection", to be sold online and at Historic Royal Palaces gift shop at William and Kate's official residence, Kensington Palace, reported Daily Mail. But now, despite being manufactured, the replica has gone missing from the collections of souvenir. And the ring's manufacturer confirmed that though the ring has vanished, the matching earrings and necklace will still be made available for £14.99 and £29.99 respectively.
"We do make the ring but they don't want us to supply it to the gift shop. A miniature replica version of the ring is still available on the website, as part of a £100 'ring charm," a spokesman for manufacturers Bill Skinner Studio told.
According to the report, spokesperson for Historic Royal Palaces refused to comment on this issue about the missing ring, but a royal source said, "I expect the feeling at Kensington Palace is that it's rather naff to sell cheap copies of Diana's engagement ring. One can hardly blame Kate for vetoing the idea of them selling a knock-off of the ring she wears every day."
If you recall, this is the same ring with which Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton. And when the engagement was officially announced, the Duke of Cambridge had also mentioned that this ring was special to him and that giving it to Kate was his way of ensuring that his mother Princess Diana was part of the special day of his life.