Meghan Markle's New ‘Queen’ Ring During Surprise Appearance With Harry May Have Sent a Royal Message
Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance with Prince Harry at a charity event in Santa Barbara on September 20. The event, One805LIVE!, was held to raise funds for essential equipment and mental health programs for the country's first responders. While Markle’s attendance was meant to highlight a good cause, royal watchers focused instead on her new ‘Queen’ moonstone ring. Many believed that her striking $4,000 jewelry sent a clear message, given her complicated history with the royal family and her official title.
The Duchess of Sussex paired the Queen Water Drop Moonstone ring with a sleeveless Carolina Herrera dress. The moonstone bauble, from Logan Hollowell, features a pear-shaped centerstone surrounded by white diamonds. But it's not the design, but rather the name of the ring that caught the attention of royal watchers.
Her choice to wear a ring named 'Queen' reportedly sent the clear message that she is one in her own eyes, in the wake of having to relinquish some of her royal titles. GB News reports that the ring was likely gifted to the Duchess for her 44th birthday by Harry. If so, it makes for a befitting gift choice considering the product's description on the website, which states that the moonstone brings "good fortune, success in love, and business matters" — things representative of the couple's journey in the US, a quieter life filled with love and financial freedom.
It's also no coincidence that the ring's design is reminiscent of the late Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring, which was encircled with white diamonds to create a halo effect. Diana’s ring also included a large blue sapphire, symbolizing elegance and femininity. Interestingly, Markle’s moonstone ring is also linked to the Roman goddess Diana, making it a sweet tribute to her mother-in-law. The product description reads on the website, "The moonstone is associated with the moon and was the stone of the goddess Diana. The most powerful time to use the moonstone is on a full moon."
Commenting on Markle’s penchant for honoring Diana through her jewelry, jeweler Pippa Small once told PEOPLE that it is a "beautiful symbol and a lovely gesture." She opined, "She made them look totally contemporary, and it really showed the emotional value of jewelry." Speaking of Markle’s other sartorial tributes to Diana, she added, "The clothes she wears really frame the jewelry and give it a different context, which makes it feel very relevant – that’s quite a feat."
As for her appearance at the concert, the Duchess also wore a Cartier Tank Française watch, which once belonged to Diana. She has previously spoken about her love for the watches, telling HELLO!: "I've always coveted the Cartier French Tank watch. When I found out Suits had been picked up for our third season, which, at the time, felt like such a milestone. I totally splurged and bought the two-tone version." She added, "I plan to give it to my daughter one day. That's what makes pieces special, the connection you have to them." Royal watchers can only wait and watch if Princess Lilibet will borrow the watch and ring from her mom someday.