The origin of Meghan Markle’s diamond chandelier earrings revealed
Fresh details about the controversy surrounding Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's diamond chandelier earrings have been brought to light in an explosive new book. The earrings were a controversial wedding present from the Saudi Crown Prince
By Joshua Hendren
The mysterious origins of the diamond chandelier earrings worn by Meghan Markle have come to light in a new book by royal commentator Valentine Low.
The earrings were first photographed on Meghan during a state banquet in Fiji during her royal tour of Australia and the Pacific in 2018.
At the time the earrings were paired with Meghan’s wedding band and a dainty bracelet. A few weeks later, the Duchess of Sussex was seen again sporting the piece for King Charles III’s 70th birthday at Buckingham Palace.
While it was assumed that the earrings were a borrowed piece from Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection, Kensington Palace refused to share who loaned her the piece, sparking curiosity from royal watchers.
Writing in Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, Mr Low reveals that the earrings were a gift from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman. The incident happened just a few days after his regime admitted killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi embassy in Istanbul.
In an edited extract from his upcoming book, Mr Low claims staff responsible for registering details of all royal gifts had recognised the jewels and alerted Kensington Palace after noticing Meghan had worn them in Fiji.
However, Prince Harry and Meghan’s aides decided “not to confront” the royals on the issue “out of fear for what their reaction would be”, according to a source reported by Mr Low.
The lawyers of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the royal correspondent added, “deny he was ever questioned about their provenance.”
Mr Low also adds that the law firm representing Meghan and Harry, Schillings, argued in February 2021 Meghan had “no idea about Sheikh Mohammed’s involvement in Khashoggi’s murder”.
Like this? Discover the best jewellery looks of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
Celebrity
The jewellery of Marilyn Monroe and what it says about her
With the release of Blonde on Netflix, we explore Marilyn Monroe’s life story through her most famous jewellery pieces. Whilst she sang Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend, what was Monroe's relationship with high jewellery?
Jewellery
British royal engagement rings through history
An in depth guide to who made the most fabulous engagement rings of the British Royal Family, from Queen Elizabeth to Princess Diana and Catherine, Princess of Wales
Celebrity
Camilla, Queen Consort wore Queen Victoria's diamond brooch to Queen Elizabeth's funeral
In what appears to be a meaningful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, Camilla wore Queen Victoria's diamond brooch to the late monarch's state funeral. Queen Victoria was gifted the brooch by her German grandchildren to mark her diamond jubilee
Celebrity
JoJo talks jewellery essentials, tattoos and life lessons from Beyoncé
JoJo talks life lessons from Beyoncé, losing her lifetime collection of jewellery in an airport bathroom and what the future holds now that she’s said “I do”
Watches
James Bond's Omega watches sold at auction
Christie's have sold Daniel Craig's Omega watches from No Time To Die, as part of an auction to mark the 60th anniversary of the James Bond films and raise vital funds for 45 different charities. Here's everything you need to know
Jewellery
How old are the Crown Jewels that were placed on Queen Elizabeth's coffin?
As the world mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, we take a closer look at the some of the Crown Jewels which will accompanied her during her state funeral. From the glittering Imperial State Crown to her diamond sceptre and golden orb, here is what they represent
Jewellery
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales wears pearl necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth
Kate, Princess of Wales, chose two pieces of pearl jewellery that belonged to Queen Elizabeth at the late monarch's state funeral. She wore a four-strand pearl choker and matching earrings to symbolise mourning and constancy
Jewellery
Meghan Markle wears jewellery gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth at the state funeral
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, wore pearl earrings gifted by Queen Elizabeth II at the late monarch's state funeral in a touching tribute that she shared with Catherine, Princess of Wales
Celebrity
Princess Charlotte wears a horseshoe brooch to Queen Elizabeth's funeral
Princess Charlotte wore a diamond horseshoe brooch pinned to her left lapel in a sweet tribute to her late great-grandmother's love of horses. The sentimental piece of jewellery was gifted to the young princess by Queen Elizabeth herself
Celebrity
Julia Roberts shines in new feel-good campaign for Chopard
The face of Chopard’s Happy Sport and Happy Diamonds collections since 2021, superstar (and owner of Hollywood’s best smile) Julia Roberts will be the muse for all the house’s women’s watch and jewellery collections
Celebrity
Pharrell Williams is bringing Lorraine Schwartz jewels to auction
Pharrell Williams is holding his first dedicated high jewellery sale on his new auction site, Joopiter. ‘A Journey Through Gems’ will focus on eye-catching jewels by Lorraine Swartz, including red carpet earrings worn by Taylor Swift to the Grammys
Celebrity
Rihanna spotted wearing her Annoushka charm bracelet from A$AP Rocky
Fresh from her rousing performance at the Oscars, Riri bared her blossoming baby bump out in Los Angeles while wearing a golden charm bracelet gifted to her by A$AP Rocky
Celebrity
Naomie Harris talks Bond, playing Moneypenny and Omega watches
Naomie Harris OBE on her standout career, being an Omega ambassador and a woman in the film industry and Miss Moneypenny’s choice of watch
Celebrity
The best watches at the 2023 Oscars
From Michelle Yeoh’s Richard Mille RM 07-02 and Paul Mescal’s Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise to Riz Ahmed’s Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date, we round up eight of the best watches from the 2023 Oscars champagne carpet
