Princess Kate donned her stunning 12-carat engagement ring as she broke the news to the world that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. The future Queen has not specified the type of cancer, but candidly opened up on camera as to why she has been absent for so long.
The Princess, 42, underwent successful abdominal surgery in January, but no tests during that time revealed any cancer. It was post-operative tests that revealed the diagnosis which she says served as a “huge shock” and spelled a “tough few months” for her and her young family. It’s thought from mid-February her chemotherapy journey began.
As she sat on a bench within the grounds of her Windsor home, wearing a striped jumper, looking fresh faced and with loose curls in her hair, she was also spotted wearing her glittering engagement ring, given to her by Prince William.
He proposed to his now wife of nearly 13 years in November 2010 and in doing so, sealed the deal with the oval blue sapphire diamond, surrounded by a halo of 14 solitaire diamonds.
The Princess often wears the ring, and has done so throughout various engagements. But in sporting the beautiful item of jewelery tonight, when announcing her heartfelt news to the world, it’s thought it could have contained a poignant nod to its former owner.
It had originally belonged to William’s mother, the late Princess Diana. She left it to her youngest son Prince Harry but she allowed her older brother to use it in his proposal to Kate.
Although the gem is very unique, it was not made bespoke. In fact, according to Garrard, the official maker of the ring, its design was inspired by a brooch Prince Albert commissioned for his bride-to-be Queen Victoria in 1840.
Previously speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, The Diamond Store valued the stunning ring at £400,000. When the now King Charles obtained it in 1981, it’s thought it was bought for £41,000. As with everything, this timeless piece has shot up in price along with inflation.
The ring in the Princess’s announcement will have struck deep with conspiracy theorists who took offense to a Mother’s Day picture Kate posted nearly a fortnight ago.
She admitted she likes to “experiment with editing” after the extreme backlash. Blemishes in the image, including the absence of the ring, added to conspiracy theories regarding Kate’s health and her whereabouts.
But as she faced the world, her hand could be seen resting on her lap with the ring firmly on her finger. In her statement, she said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I have been recovering from surgery.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had already been present.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
Addressing her noticeable silence, she continued: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this personally for the sake of our young family.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.
“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able , but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”