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Kate Middleton Forgoes Iconic Engagement Ring Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Some scientists believe rings provide a protected area where microorganisms can thrive.

Published

5 years ago

April 2, 2020

INSTORE Staff

Kate Middleton recently appeared in photos without her sapphire and diamond engagement ring — and it’s believed that’s due to the coronavirus crisis.

Kensington Palace recently released photos of the Duchess of Cambridge and her husband, Prince William, spending time at home, the New York Post reports. She appears without the ring, which belonged to Princess Diana.

The portraits were posted to Instagram with the caption: “Self-isolation and social distancing can pose huge challenges to our mental health — in recent weeks The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been in regular contact with organizations and patronages to understand the issues they are facing during this difficult time.”

The Posts reports that forgoing the ring may be a way to cut down on germs, as some scientists believes rings provide a protected area where microorganisms can thrive.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains: “Some studies have shown that skin underneath rings contains more germs than comparable areas of skin on fingers without rings,” but notes that more study on the topic is needed.

But Marie Claire notes that the ring omission also could just be part of Kate’s “casual style at home.”

Prince William’s father, Prince Charles, recently tested positive for the coronavirus and is reportedly now recovering.

View this post on Instagram

Self-isolation and social distancing can pose huge challenges to our mental health — in recent weeks The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been in regular contact with organisations and patronages to understand the issues they are facing during this difficult time. Last week ☎️ The Duke spoke to @mindcharity CEO Paul Farmer, and The Duchess spoke to Catherine Roche, CEO of @_place2be. Today Public Health England has published new guidance to help support people during the COVID-19 outbreak, and updated its world-leading Every Mind Matters platform, with specific advice on maintaining good mental wellbeing during the outbreak; take a look at our Story or visit the link in our bio ? to find out more. Speaking about the new guidance, The Duke and Duchess said: • “It is great to see the mental health sector working together with the NHS to help people keep on top of their mental well-being. • By pulling together and taking simple steps each day, we can all be better prepared for the times ahead”. • The Government has also announced a grant for @MindCharity to help fund their services for people struggling with their mental wellbeing during this time.

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Mar 28, 2020 at 5:01pm PDT

INSTORE Staff

Since launching in 2002, INSTORE has won 89 international journalism awards for its publication and website. Contact INSTORE's editors at editor@instoremag.com.

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