Meghan Markle, amidst a solemn atmosphere at the Queen’s State Funeral in Westminster Abbey last year, paid her respects in an outfit that now stands under scrutiny.
The Duchess of Sussex donned a black ensemble paired with pearl and diamond earrings, believed to be a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth in 2018.
These delicate studs, resembling one of the Queen’s favorite styles, were presented to Meghan before their joint outing in Cheshire shortly after her marriage to Prince Harry.
The earrings made another appearance as Meghan accompanied the Queen’s coffin procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Palace, adhering to royal mourning traditions in full black attire.
However, recent revelations by jewelry experts have cast doubt on the authenticity of the earrings worn by Meghan at the Queen’s funeral.
In a detailed analysis featured in Vogue’s latest edition, it has been exposed that the earrings were not adorned with real pearls as previously assumed.
Instead, they were identified as £50 replicas available at gift shops, distinct from Queen Mary’s button earrings gifted by the Queen herself.
The expert opinion shared in the article emphasized skepticism regarding Meghan receiving any genuine heirlooms from the royal family, particularly items associated with Queen Mary, which are considered part of the crown jewels.
The expert further elaborated on the strict protocols governing the use of historic royal jewelry within the family.
While members like Catherine, Camilla, and Sophie may temporarily wear crown jewels for events, these pieces remain the property of the crown and must be returned afterward.
Personal jewelry can be gifted or purchased, but items with historical significance, such as those belonging to Queen Mary, are off-limits for individuals outside the immediate royal lineage.
Despite Meghan’s possession of some of Princess Diana’s jewels, she has reportedly been prohibited from accessing any of the historic royal family jewelry.
Reports suggest that this restriction on Meghan extends to iconic pieces like diamond necklaces, brooches, and tiaras, with the Queen and Prince William purportedly endorsing the ban.
In contrast, Princess Catherine has been observed wearing items from the collection, including the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara originally crafted by Queen Mary and later favored by Princess Diana.
This revelation adds to a pattern where Meghan is seemingly excluded from opportunities to wear significant royal jewelry, highlighting a disparity in treatment compared to other members of the royal family.