The Duchess of Edinburgh was photographed without her wedding ring during her visit to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, while Prince Edward was out of the UK.
The 60-year-old was spotted enjoying an ice cream cone on the first day of the event, but eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed her bare ring finger.
When images were shared on social media, observers immediately began commenting on the missing jewellery.
"Didn't realise she never wore a wedding ring," one person wrote, whilst another asked: "Where are her rings?"
Duchess of Edinburgh steps out without her wedding ring as Prince Edward leaves UK.
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The absence of Sophie's wedding ring came while her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was in Canada on a royal tour.
Sophie stepping out without her distinctive engagement and wedding rings prompted widespread speculation among royal enthusiasts.
Several explanations have emerged for the missing rings. The soaring temperatures may have caused finger swelling, making the jewellery uncomfortable to wear.
Sophie has previously removed her rings during official engagements. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, she frequently appeared without them for hygiene purposes.
The Duchess of Edinburgh stepped out on June 30 in the stifling heat with minimal jewellery.
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The Duchess has also been known to swap her traditional rings for alternative pieces. Last year, she was seen wearing an 'Africa' ring from Giulia Barela, priced at £128, instead of her usual set.
Despite the speculation, many social media users focused on praising Sophie. "The most underrated working royal. She's one of the best and yet so discreet and smart!" one commenter noted.
Prince Edward proposed to Sophie in 1999 after a six-year relationship, presenting her with a trilogy ring valued at approximately £105,000. "Have you got your dark glasses on? If it catches the sun, you'll be blinded," Edward reportedly joked at the time.
The engagement ring features a two-carat central oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped diamonds. Sophie typically wears it alongside her Welsh gold wedding band.
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh pictured wearing her engagement ring earlier this year.
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Her wedding ring was crafted from the same Clogau nugget used for other royal wedding bands, including those belonging to Princess Anne and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Whilst £105,000 represents a significant sum, Sophie's engagement ring is not the most valuable amongst the royals. Princess Eugenie's rare oval-cut Padparadscha sapphire, surrounded by a halo of diamonds from Jack Brooksbank, is worth an estimated £120,000.
Zara Tindall's engagement ring, featuring a single solitaire diamond on a split platinum band with pavé set diamonds, is valued at approximately £140,000.
The most valuable royal engagement ring remains the late Princess Diana's 12-carat oval-cut jewel, now worn by the Princess of Wales. This iconic family heirloom surpasses all others in both monetary and sentimental value.
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