- Meghan Markle was recently spotted without her engagement ring.
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been married since May 2018, and Meghan is due to give birth in the spring.
- Her engagement ring was missing during Meghan’s public appearances for Commonwealth Day on Monday.
When Meghan Markle stepped out for Commonwealth Day on Monday, fans noticed something different about the royal’s appearance.
The former actress gave a nod to her Canadian roots with a glitzy green Erdem coatdress, which showed off her prominent baby bump, as she visited Canada House in London with Prince Harry.
The Duchess of Sussex’s engagement ring – which Prince Harry had specially made with diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection – was missing, however.
She appeared to be without her ring again later the same day at a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
While the lack of ring has led some people to fret about the current state of the newlyweds' relationship, there's no need to panic.
Kate Middleton, who is rarely seen without her own ring, was also pictured without it while pregnant with Prince Louis last year.
According to gynecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck, swollen fingers are a common pregnancy symptom caused by water retention. The swelling can occur in hands, feet, and ankles, and could be made worse by low potassium and high sodium levels.
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Dweck told INSIDER swelling can often cause rings and shoes to feel right, and socks to leave marks at the elastic on ankles. He added that occasionally swollen hands and feet can be the result of high blood pressure during pregnancy, which is known as preeclampsia. The disorder occurs in 5% to 8% of pregnancies, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation.
While the details of Meghan's pregnancy have not been disclosed to the public, it's likely she's dealing with a bit of swelling - a good reason for leaving her ring at home.
What we do know, however, is that the royal baby is expected to arrive between late April and early May.