Kate Middleton ditches item for a new style as she makes surprise return to royal duties

She switched it for a new new eternity-style band

Catherine, Princess of Wales has appeared to ditch her iconic engagement ring for a new eternity-style band. The mum-of-three made a last-minute decision to join husband Prince William in Southport.

She thanked emergency services for their efforts responding to fatal stabbings in the town. The couple also met with the families of those who died.

It was her first official engagement since it was revealed that she had finished her chemotherapy treatment following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. At most of her previous royal engagements, Kate was spotted wearing her blue sapphire and diamond ring.

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It once belonged to William's late mother Princess Diana, Mirror reports. But during yesterday's visit, she seemed to swap the ring for a new one.

The new band was also set with sapphires and diamonds, like her engagement ring. It was stacked with her gold wedding band as well as a further eternity ring, which she usually wears.

It is not the first time Kate Middleton has been seen wearing this new ring. Royal fans caught a glimpse of it earlier this year when William and Kate congratulated Team GB following the Paris Olympics.

She was also spotted wearing it in the emotional video in which she gave an update on her cancer journey and revealed that her chemotherapy treatment was over. At the time, fans speculated the new ring was a potential gift from William.

They wondered if the new jewellery was a sign of a 'fresh start' for Princess Kate, designed to mark 'the next phase of her life'. It is understood yesterday's engagement was planned as a solo visit for William but Kate decided to join him to show her support to the local community.

The princess has slowly been returning to a light programme of public duties following her announcement in a video four weeks ago that her chemotherapy had ended. She said her focus would be 'doing what I can to stay cancer free'.