Kate Middleton with her Eternity Ring, accompanied by Prince William

Kate Middleton dazzled in a surprise appearance with the Eternity Ring, a symbol of royal union and commitment.

Kate Middleton wore a special accessory during a surprise appearance with Prince William.

On Monday, August 11, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a video message in support of Team Great Britain as the ‘Paris 2024 Olympics’ came to a close. While Prince William’s facial hair and unkempt appearance quickly stirred up attention, fans also focused on a subtle detail concerning the jewelry on Middleton’s hand.

Instead of her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, Kate wore a gold band set with white diamonds and sapphires, a more casual alternative to the engagement ring that once belonged to William’s late mother, Princess Diana.

It is believed that the new accessory, a thick gold ring with diamonds and sapphires, is a promise ring from William, given to his wife during their early romance while they were students at ‘St. Andrews University’ in the early 2000s.

According to the site ‘Dress Like a Duchess,’ long before Prince William proposed with his mother’s famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring in 2010, he gave Kate this rose gold promise ring with pearls and garnets, similar to a Victorian-era rose gold band.

The pearls represent William’s birthday in June, and the garnet symbolizes Kate’s birthday in January. Kate first wore this ring on the day of her graduation from ‘St. Andrews,’ where she earned a degree in ‘Art History.’

She wore the ring on her middle finger during her youth. The ring symbolized “commitment and fidelity, as well as a promise of lifelong love and loyalty,” according to ‘Dress Like a Duchess.’

It is unclear when Kate received her new eternity ring, but some fans speculate that it may have been a gift from William to commemorate their 13th wedding anniversary on April 29.

In the video, Kate paired the rarely seen band with a black and white striped top by Ralph Lauren. William, beside her, wore a light blue polo shirt from Team Great Britain.

“On behalf of everyone watching from home, congratulations to Team GB,” Kate said. William added, “Congratulations on everything you have achieved. You have been an inspiration to all of us.”