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As the positive news of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's completion of chemotherapy and cancer-free diagnosis sank in on Monday, questions about her ongoing recovery were replaced by one major question - about the video she used to announce the news. There was of course no precedent, as in times gone by, the only updates about royal health were delivered either on an easel in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace or via a rather curt announcement on the BBC. So it's fair to say there has never been a more massive and abrupt shift in the tone of royal messaging than the one signaled by the Duchess's astonishingly intimate Instagram post, directed by her husband Prince William.
Everyone was so happy that she had completed her chemotherapy, which must have been an exhausting and worrying time. In the video, Catherine looks beautiful and natural. But it wasn't just the joyous news which captivated fans - the royals had also sported a brand new look, with Catherine wearing jewelry from a new designer for the first time since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Along with the eternity ring she had worn when congratulating Team GB at the Olympic Games this summer, the Princess of Wales was spotted with one of her most iconic engagement rings of all time.
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The Duchess cannot remove her jewelry without sparking speculation amongst fans. A few weeks ago, Catherine was spotted without her heirloom sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince William's late mother, Princess Diana. And now as she celebrated completing a course of preventative chemotherapy, the princess had once again swapped her ring for an eternity band featuring the same gemstones. Some viewers guessed that Catherine was definitely wearing a new ring, while others thought it looked similar to her original engagement ring.
There are several practical reasons why someone might need to take off their rings during chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy can cause fluid retention in the hands, which might make rings tight and difficult to manage. Since patients are also at high risk of infections, removing rings can help prevent skin infections. I wonder if Catherine also needed a fresh start from wearing Diana's iconic ring, as she embarks on this new phase of her life after cancer treatment. However, many hope this does not mean the engagement ring disappears forever.
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Where her engagement ring usually sat was a stacked band, including her Welsh gold wedding band, her Diamond eternity ring thought to be a gift following the birth of Prince George, and another thin band. Alongside her new sapphire and diamond accessory, the princess retained her signature stack. Sapphire gemstones not only have a special connection to Princess Diana, who chose them to match her eyes for her own engagement ring, but they also symbolize power and strength - qualities that took on new poignancy given Catherine's resilience through her cancer journey.
Finally, sapphires are the birthstone for September, which is when Catherine announced the end of her treatment - another meaningful tie. For her announcement video, the Duchess looked chic in a floral printed midi dress by Veronica Beard, pairing it with her classic Superga trainers. She accessorized with green amethyst and pearl drop earrings by Kiki McDonough and a personalized necklace with her children's initials by Daniela Draper. Green amethyst is said to help emotions and pains be heard and understood - an appropriate stone as Catherine shared her story of strength and love. Royal fans were delighted by both her good news announcement and her beautiful latest look.
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Her makeup looked fresh and minimal, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Supportive comments flooded social media, praising Catherine's courage and poise throughout her health journey. Though many questions remain around her cancer diagnosis and treatment specifics, the Duchess maintained an air of privacy and grace even while sharing this intimate update. Her focus seemed set firmly on moving forward with optimism and expressing gratitude for those who supported her along the way. It was a landmark moment not just for Catherine personally, but one that shifted perceptions of how modern royals can engage with the public during challenging private health experiences.
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