Kate Middleton, 38, and Prince William, also 38, met in 2001 and began dating soon after. While they were dating, Kate was given a beautiful ring that gave a sweet glimpse into their relationship.
While her future role was not known when she was given the gift, it showed her importance to Prince William, according to CEO of LeVian Eddie LeVian.
Eddie told Express.co.uk: “This beautiful, delicate ring is understated in style, but the very personal message hidden within it from a future King makes it an enormously romantic royal jewel.
“William gifted Kate this Victorian rose gold band encrusted with pearls and garnets, while they were still at St Andrews University where they met as students.
“It’s no surprise Kate was seen wearing it at her graduation, a milestone marking her own achievements but also a day which put her on the threshold of a new chapter in her life together with William beyond university.”
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The expert said the ring was a sign of commitment from Prince William and Kate has proudly worn it on many occasions.
The ring features subtle pearls and garnets which link to the royals birthstones.
The personal meaning could give a glimpse into the relationship of Kate and Prince William.
It could even reveal they were committed to each other years before marrying, Eddie suggested.
“Even though Kate graduated in 2005, and the couple married much later in 2011, this ring goes to prove that William was smitten with Kate even in those early days.”
When Prince William proposed in 2010, Kate was given the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana.
The pair tied the knot the following year in a ceremony that took place at Westminster Abbey in London.
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How did Kate Middleton become a royal?
Early life
Kate Middleton, or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, England.
She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton, a former flight dispatcher and air hostess. The couple founded a party supplies company, Party Pieces, in 1987 – now estimated to be worth £30 million.
Kate has a younger sister Pippa Matthews, 34, and a younger brother James Middleton, 31.
Education
Kate and her family moved to Amman, Jordan, in 1984, where the future Duchess was educated at an English-speaking nursery school.
After moving back to Berkshire the family sent Kate to private school, St Andrews School. She went on to briefly study at Downe House before moving onto Marlborough College where she boarded.
For university the young Kate attended the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Here she was awarded an undergraduate MA (2:1 Hons) in history of art.
Relationship with Prince William
Kate met Prince William when they were both studying at St Andrews, and both living in St Salvator’s Hall. Famously, William reportedly took a fancy to Kate after she wore a see-through dress during a fashion show.
In 2003 the couple began dating and lived together during their second year of university.
The couple split in April 2007, however, in October they were back together.
Wedding
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring in October 2010. The couple were holidaying in Kenya at the time.
On 29 April 2011 they married at Westminster Abbey with a whopping 26 million watching the event live.
Kate wore an Alexander McQueen dress worth a reported £250,000 on the big day.
Kate assumed the title “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge” and also became the Duchess of Cambridge on the day.