Meghan Markle Channels Princess Diana’s Legacy During Nigeria Visit
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, elegantly honored her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, during her recent official visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry. The 42-year-old Duchess was spotted wearing a diamond cross necklace that previously belonged to Diana at a reception for military families in Abuja on Saturday, May 11.
Reported by People, the gold necklace featuring a delicate diamond cross was recently gifted to Meghan by Prince Harry. This gesture allowed Meghan to pay a heartfelt tribute to Princess Diana as she and Harry mirrored the path once walked by King Charles III and the late Princess during their official visit to Nigeria in March 1990.
Meghan’s tributes to Diana didn’t stop at the necklace. On Friday, May 10, she was also seen wearing a gold collar necklace that echoed a similar piece worn by Diana over thirty years ago during her visit to Nigeria. Over the years, Harry has given Meghan several of Diana’s treasured jewels, including gold butterfly earrings, a bracelet, an aquamarine cocktail ring, and a diamond bracelet. These gifts have frequently been part of Meghan’s ensemble on various occasions. Notably, the engagement ring Harry designed for Meghan in 2017 includes two diamonds from Diana’s personal collection.
In addition to her thoughtful jewelry choices, Meghan has been managing her own fashion and beauty details throughout the Nigeria trip. Her long-time makeup artist, Daniel Martin, who also crafted her look for her 2018 wedding, commented to Us Weekly that Meghan has foregone a stylist or hairdresser during her visit.
“I feel like when I’m not with her, she has more room to play,” Martin explained at the Gold Gala on Saturday, May 11. “It’s just her. There’s no stylist, there’s no hairdresser. She’s doing everything herself and she’s so good at it”, told US weekly.
Martin, who has worked with Meghan since before she met Harry, also revealed that Harry prefers Meghan with a natural look, appreciating her beauty most when she wears minimal makeup.
During the reception at the Defense Headquarters Officers Mess, Meghan’s connection to Nigeria was warmly highlighted by Abike Dabiri Erewa, chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora, who celebrated Meghan’s Nigerian roots by proclaiming, “Princess Meghan is a Nigerian!” This statement, confirming Meghan’s 43% Nigerian ancestry discovered through genealogy testing, was met with applause and visibly touched Meghan.
The visit, spurred by an invitation from Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, underscored the Invictus Games, an initiative founded by Harry for the rehabilitation of wounded service members through sports. Their itinerary was packed with activities including a basketball clinic, a cultural reception, and a polo event aimed at raising funds for Nigeria: Unconquered.
Did anyone notice Meghan wore THE SAME JEWELRY AS DIANA’s VISIT to Nigeria?!!! Earrings, necklace, Cartier watch. This is psychotic! #meghanmarkle #meghanmarkleisaconartist #MeghanMarkleAmericanPsycho #princessdiana #HarryandMeghaninNigeria pic.twitter.com/GtFZe10UJs
— Meghantheduchessofpitstains (@Kathy10720816) May 11, 2024