Exclusive: Princess Kate wears sapphire wedding ring as she ‘channels’ Princess Diana….Read More

The Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday

The Princess of Wales was spotted wearing Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring today as she undertook a rare public engagement since completing cancer treatment.

Kate, 42, donned the cherished piece of jewellery while joining Prince William to welcome the Emir of Qatar and his wife at Horse Guards Parade in London.

The impressive ring, which features a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold, made its return after Kate had worn a different eternity band in recent months.

The Princess looked radiant in a burgundy coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen as she carried out her duties on behalf of King Charles III.

Today’s ceremonial welcome marks the start of a busier week for Kate, who will host her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday.

The sapphire ring holds deep historical significance, having been designed by crown jeweller Garrard and inspired by a brooch Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria as a wedding present in 1840.

When it was first selected as Diana’s engagement ring, it was dubbed the ‘commoner’s sapphire’ as it was available in Garrard’s catalogue for £47,000.

Princess Diana continued wearing the ring even after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996, demonstrating her attachment to the piece.

In recent months, Kate had opted for a different piece – a stunning gold ‘eternity’ band, believed to be a gift from Prince William and set with diamonds and sapphires.

She first returned to wearing Diana’s ring at the Festival of Remembrance in November, before choosing it again for today’s significant state occasion.

Body language expert Judi James noted that Prince William’s gestures during the ceremony appeared to signal that Kate is now his “total prime focus.”

“His head is bowed beside her and when she speaks, he cocks his head to show total attention and active listening skills,” James told the Daily Mail.

The expert observed a “hint of ongoing romance” between the couple since Kate’s health update video in September.

James said William “seems to have shown a trait of being unable to keep his hands off his wife in public” since the video announcement.

Kate’s own body language suggested “re-boosted confidence” according to James, who noted: “Her slightly reflective eye expression appears to have gone, and her poise, with her arms hanging relaxed at her sides, suggests re-booted confidence.”

The Princess appeared “totally engaged and even on top of her game again,” James added.