Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, 38, stepped out for her second royal engagement of the week on Tuesday as she paid a visit to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital. The Duchess was greeted at the hospital entrance by an adorable little girl clutching a bouquet of flowers and went on to attend a special creative workshop for young patients and their families.
The Duchess who is passionate about early years education is patron of both Evelina London Children’s Hospital and the National Portrait Gallery, who collaborated to put on the special workshop.
Kate never fails to look the part and looked elegant as ever in a striking black boucle skirt suit by Dolce and Gabanna.
She paired the chic outfit with a pair of black suede block heels and delicate Mappin & Webb earrings.
As well as the absence of a signature clutch bag, Kate was also not wearing one of her most treasured accessories – her engagement ring.
READ MORE: Kate Middleton’s ‘humbled’ reaction to meeting Holocaust survivors
The iconic blue sapphire and diamond piece once belonged to Princess Diana and famous the world over.
Kate usually pairs the ring with her simple gold wedding band and was wearing it when she attended a Holocaust memorial service on Monday.
However, on Tuesday her engagement ring was nowhere to be seen.
Why did Kate not wear her engagement ring on her latest outing?
Why Kate chose not to wear her ring during her latest trip is not confirmed, however there are several plausible reasons.
Another possible explanation for the ring’s absence is that it is currently being cleaned in order to keep it as shiny as ever.
Kate and Prince William have had an extremely busy start the the year with a string of big royal engagements.
Kate went on a 24h hour UK tour last week as she launched a new survey to encourage how children are taught in the early years.
Yesterday the couple attended a moving ceremony at Westminster County Hall to mark 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
Kate also took part in a creative project to honour the 75 anniversary.
The Duchess is a keen amateur photographer and took a series of striking portraits of Holocaust survivors.
Dutch national Steven Frank, 84, and German-born Yvonne Bernstein, 82, both survived the Holocaust and were photographed by the Duchess in Kensington Palace.
The striking portraits were inspired by Dutch painter Vermeer and will feature in an exhibition to commemorate 75 years since the horrific event.
Kate described Yvonne and Steven as “two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet”.