In a stunning turn of events, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found herself at the center of a scandal involving the theft of a 13-carat emerald-cut aquamarine ring.
The ring, valued at a staggering $90 million, holds significant sentimental value as it was once worn by the late Princess Diana.
The iconic aquamarine ring became a symbol of Princess Diana’s resilience and independence after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996.
As a replacement for her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, Princess Diana frequently adorned herself with this exquisite piece, often pairing it with a matching aquamarine and pearl bracelet.
Fast forward to May 2018, and the aquamarine ring made a surprise reappearance on Meghan Markle’s right hand during her wedding reception with Prince Harry.
The newly-minted Duchess of Sussex effortlessly showcased the ring’s clean, geometric lines, which perfectly complemented her sleek reception dress and modern Cartier earrings.
However, controversy arose when it was revealed that the aquamarine ring was not part of the royal family collection.
Despite this, Meghan Markle chose to wear the ring, sending a powerful message.
Although she is not entitled to keep personal items like this, her decision to wear it spoke volumes about her admiration for Princess Diana and her desire to honor her memory.
According to sources, the aquamarine ring is currently owned by the Spencer family, meaning that these personal jewels will ultimately belong to Diana’s sisters and nieces.
The fact that Meghan Markle wore the ring despite its legal restrictions highlights the significance she places on preserving Princess Diana’s legacy.
Further investigation into the matter revealed that the annual royal gift list did not mention any wedding presents, including the aquamarine ring.
While the list did document the jewelry Meghan received from official trips, such as Ireland, New Zealand, and Fiji, it appears that a wedding does not qualify as an official engagement in the eyes of the royal family.
Princess Diana had a remarkable collection of aquamarines, many of which were acquired during her royal marriage.
One notable addition to her collection was a stunning cocktail ring featuring an emerald-cut aquamarine with diamond accents on the band.
This particular ring, gifted by Lucia Fletcher de Lima and crafted by Asprey, found its way into Diana’s jewelry box around 1996.
Meghan Markle first showcased Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring on her wedding day, waving to photographers as she and Prince Harry embarked on their evening wedding reception in a vintage Jaguar convertible.
She later wore the ring during a royal tour of Tonga, where she met with King Tupa VI and Queen Nanasbo in a private audience.
In a further display of her admiration for Princess Diana, the Duchess of Sussex donned the aquamarine ring once again for an official dinner in Tonga in October 2018.
The ring has since become a symbol of Meghan Markle’s connection to Princess Diana and her commitment to carrying on her legacy.