KATE MIDDELTON REMOVES WEDDING RING FOR 'Hygiene Reasons'

Kate Middleton was pictured sans her most famous engagement ring by the time she left the Royal Marsden hospital in south London recently. A source told People magazine that the move was at the advice of hospital staff, who suggested it be removed for hygiene purposes.

"The plan was always to take it off when she went into the ward in the same way the Duke and palace staff rolled up sleeves and tucked ties into their shirts," said a palace source.