Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently made headlines during her three-day faux-royal tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry. The spotlight was on a delicate diamond cross necklace she wore at a reception for military families in Abuja. Sources close to the couple revealed that this cross necklace was from Princess Diana’s collection, adding an air of intrigue to its origin.
A Connection to Princess Diana
Despite their estrangement, both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle share a connection to Princess Diana through her priceless jewelry collection. Diana, the mother-in-law neither of them knew personally, left behind a legacy of exquisite pieces that continue to captivate the world.
The cross necklace that Markle revealed in Nigeria has piqued curiosity. One person close to Diana mentioned that they had never seen it before, as Diana tended to avoid religious motifs in public. However, the necklace’s significance lies not only in its design but also in its sentimental value.
A Gift from Prince Harry
Sources confirmed that the cross necklace was a gift from Prince Harry to his wife. It belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana, and was part of her private collection. Diana remains a prominent force in Harry’s life, and this meaningful gesture underscores her enduring influence on him and Meghan.
Other Treasures from Diana’s Collection
In addition to the cross, Markle has been spotted wearing other items from her mother-in-law’s treasures. These include:
- Engagement Ring: Prince Harry incorporated diamonds from Diana’s personal collection into Markle’s engagement ring, surrounding the main three-karat stone.
- Butterfly Motif Earrings: Markle wore these butterfly earrings in 2018 while still a working royal. Diana also had a matching necklace.
- Aquamarine Ring: Markle donned this aquamarine ring on her right hand as she left Windsor Castle for her wedding reception. Diana had worn it post-divorce.
- Tennis Bracelet: Markle wore Diana’s tennis bracelet during her controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey. Her mother-in-law had frequently worn it.
Curating a Story
One London socialite who knows Markle observed, “Meghan likes to curate her jewelry to tell a certain story.” Each piece carries its own significance, connecting Markle to Diana’s legacy and allowing her to express her own narrative through these timeless jewels.
Diana’s jewelry collection continues to be seen on formal occasions, evoking memories of the beloved princess. Whether it’s the Lover’s Knot tiara or the delicate cross necklace, these pieces serve as a bridge between generations, linking the past and the present in the royal family’s saga.
