Author: bang2

Meghan Markle was seen wearing a new piece of jewellery on her tour in Nigeria.

The pendant features a central round cut diamond, surrounded by four baguette diamonds in a cross (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle was sporting a luxurious new necklace during her weekend in West Africa.

The Sussexes have now returned home to California after their three-day tour in Nigeria. The trip has received some backlash, as critics claim it’s an “unofficial royal tour” since they stepped down from their roles in 2020.

It was their first visit since 2019, and they were invited by Nigeria’s chief of defence staff. They were also there to promote the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, sick or injured veterans and serving military personnel.

During the visit, Meghan was seen wearing a beautiful diamond cross necklace, according to Crisscut Magazine. The necklace was from Princess Diana’s collection, and it was reportedly a gift from Prince Harry.

It’s estimated the necklace is worth about £8,000 (Image: X: @IndyLife)

Maxwell Stone, creative director of luxury retailer Steven Stone, said: “It’s no secret that Meghan has an eye for jewellery and over the years, Harry has presented her with a wealth of pieces – including some from Princess Diana’s collection.

“Reportedly a recent gift from Harry that hails from his late Mother’s collection, her latest piece has sparked particular interest due to its unfamiliarity.”

The pendant features a central round cut diamond, surrounded by four baguette diamonds in a cross. It hung from a thin yellow gold chain.

 

Stone estimated it’s worth about £8,000. He also explained it could be a reminder of her own strength during troubling times.

“The symbolism behind cross necklaces goes beyond religious beliefs. Wearing a cross necklace can serve as a reminder of one’s faith and a source of strength during challenging times, such as the painful rift between the couple and members of the royal family.”

He continued: “Though it’s a fairly simplicity piece, the necklace oozes with sentiment and history due to its predecessor. With this in mind, I’d estimate it to be worth £8,000.”

King Charles was asked by Love Island star Maya Jama whether he had seen the show due to restart filming later this year.

King Charles offered an excellent response after the Love Island host Maya James broke royal protocol by touching the King at a Princes’ Trust event.

Attending the Sovereight’s Creative Industries Garden Party at Buckingham Palace today, Ms Jama, 29, apologised to the monarch, 75, at a Princes Trust event.

Ms Jama said: “Nice to meet you. Well, I’ve actually met you before, a long time ago. About something with the Princes’ Trust and I touched you. I wasn’t supposed to. This time I won’t.”

In response, the King responded jovially, he said laughing: “Don’t worry about it.”

Maya Jama apologised to the King for touching him at an event years ago (Image: Getty)

King Charles and Maya Jama discussed whether he had seen Love Island (Image: Getty)

As well as discussing past meetings, the pair also spoke about whether King Charles had seen the dating show Love Island and what it entailed.

The King asked what Ms Jama did. She replied: “I host Love Island. I don’t know if you watch that though. That’s like a reality dating show. That’s what I do.”

In response, the King commented: “There’s one born every minute” to which Ms Jama said: “There is yeah.”

The reason why Ms Jama and a host of other celebrities were in attendance at Buckingham Palace for the Creative Industries Garden Party celebrating the creative talent of the UK.

King Charles returned to public engagements just a few weeks ago on April 30 (Image: Getty)

Also in attendance was Napoleon and Gladiator director Sir Ridley Scott alongside documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux.

King Charles attended the event with Queen Camilla as part of a series of public events the monarch has attended since he started receiving treatment for cancer earlier this year.

Earlier this week, he attended an unveiling of a portrait of himself by artist Jonathan Yeo and has been seen attending services at St Paul’s Cathedral.

This morning, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire where both were seen wearing silk robes.

It has been claimed that the Queen is worried the King is “doing too much” as he undergoes treatment for an unnamed form of cancer.

Speaking to The Daily Beast, a friend of Camilla claimed: “She has been trying to encourage him to slow down.

“Of course, he wants to keep cracking on, but she is afraid that doing too much could set him back.”

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry may have to give up his royal titles if he becomes a US citizen, according to immigration policy. But the case could be fought in the Supreme Court, an expert claimed.

The debate over Prince Harry’s royal titles could be argued in the US Supreme Court. (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry could be asked to relinquish his royal titles if he became a US citizen, according to policy, which may set the stage for a case in the US Supreme Court, an expert has warned.

According to New York-based immigration lawyer Gita Gorji, if Prince Harry is pursuing US citizenship, and if successful, he may be asked to give up his royal titles, but it’s “not an open and shut case.”

Daily Express US spoke to Ms Gorji, who explained: “Some crafty lawyers could even argue this all the way to the US Supreme Court since there is nothing in the US Constitution that states this.”

She added: “If Prince Harry decided to take the long journey to become a US citizen, he could, theoretically, make the argument that the requirement he renounce his titles would actually be unconstitutional.

“That, unless he were to hold public office, the US Constitution only specifically forbids the US government from granting titles of nobility. It says nothing about titles conferred by foreign governments.”

Harry’s wife is an American citizen, which could play a role in decision-making. (Image: Getty)

Harry and Meghan’s children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, are thought to have dual citizenship and were awarded their royal titles when King Charles took the throne.

Prince Harry’s children being American, and holding noble titles from the UK, could help Harry’s argument to pursue US citizenship and retain his royal titles, Ms Gorji said.

 

In February, Harry appeared on Good Morning America and mentioned the possibility of becoming a US citizen.

Charles hasn’t given up on the tradition of using fountain pens, which he inherited from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles has granted a royal warrant to Parker, the same manufacturer of the fountain pen that leaked during a royal engagement last year.

Charles used a fountain pen to sign a visitor’s book at Hillsborough Castle, located in the Village of Royal Hillsborough, 12 miles from Belfast.

The pen leaked on the monarch, getting all over his hands, with him exclaiming, “I can’t bear this bloody thing … every stinking time.” While the pen was misbehaving, the king didn’t give up on fountain pens.

The Telegraph’s Patrick Sawyer writes: “One would have imagined that after famously losing his temper when ink leaked over his hand at Hillsborough Castle the King wouldn’t want to see another fountain pen.”

“But a good monarch is nothing if not magnanimous, which may explain why King Charles has decided to renew the royal warrant for Parker, one of the world’s most famous fountain pen manufacturers.”

Charles’s Garden Party was the same day as Harry’s Invictus Game reception (Image: Getty)

Queen Elizabeth II used Parker fountain pens for decades, which Charles then in turn started using as part of his official duties.

Parker was founded in 1888 and received an official warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 1962.

“Royal warrants are granted for up to five years at a time as a mark of recognition for the ongoing supply of goods or services to the royal household and senior members of the Royal Family,” says Sawyer in his Telegraph article.

Charles recently spent the day with William at an army base (Image: Getty)

Jenny Collier, a calligrapher and illustrator with London Scribes, spoke to The Telegraph about the impact of royal warrant has for an origination: “Being granted the new warrant by His Majesty the King is a huge honour.”

“The royal warrant brings worldwide attention to UK businesses who work hard to uphold the highest standards and maintain traditional skills.”

Charles gave out 172 royal warrants as Prince of Wales, and those holders who would like to receive a royal warrant from him as king would have to reapply. Charles just recently confirmed 145 of those royal warrants had been retained, it’s being reported.

The Duchess of Sussex wore the necklace from her late mother-in-law for the first time

Meghan Markle wears Princess Diana’s necklace in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11, 2024 (left). Princess Diana on her arrival in Enugu, Nigeria on March 18, 1990 (right). PHOTO: EMMANUEL OSODI/ANADOLU VIA GETTY; TIM GRAHAM PHOTO LIBRARY VIA GETTY

Meghan Markle found a special way to honor Princess Diana during her trip to Nigeria.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, wore a sentimental necklace that belonged to Prince Harry’s mother to a reception for military families in Abuja on May 11.

PEOPLE exclusively reveals that the necklace, featuring a delicate diamond cross on a gold chain, was a recent gift from Harry to his wife and once belonged to Princess Diana.

Meghan often pays tribute to Harry’s mother through fashion, and has several pieces in her jewelry box that belonged to the late Princess of Wales, including butterfly earrings and an aquamarine ring. Prince Harry, 39, also famously included two diamonds from his mother’s personal collection in the tri-stone engagement ring he designed for Meghan when he proposed in 2017.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex follow in the footsteps of Harry’s parents, King Charles and Princess Diana, who visited Nigeria for an official visit in March 1990. Meghan may have subtly paid tribute to Diana during the first day of their trip on May 10 by wearing a gold collar necklace reminiscent of one Diana wore during her time in Nigeria over 30 years ago.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024.ANDREW ESIEBO/GETTY

On May 11, Meghan wore the cross necklace with a St. Agni white strapless column linen dress and her hair swept up, allowing the accessory to shine. She received a warm welcome at the reception held at the Defense Headquarters Officers Mess, where an official acknowledged Meghan’s Nigerian heritage in their address.

Princess Diana in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 16, 1990.TIM GRAHAM PHOTO LIBRARY VIA GETTY

“Princess Meghan is a Nigerian!” Abike Dabiri Erewa, chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora, said at the event. The exclamation won a round of applause from the crowd, plus a smile and applause from Meghan herself. The Duchess of Sussex previously shared on her podcast Archetypes that she discovered she is 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test. Throughout the trip, she spoke of the connection she feels to the country.

Meghan Markle at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024.KOLA SULAIMON/AFP VIA GETTY

The chairman went on to say that she was “excited but not surprised” when Meghan shared the news about her Nigerian heritage, “because she is beautiful, intelligent, diligent and hardworking and she stands firm in the midst of challenges.”

“Prince Harry, you married the best — our daughter, our friend, Princess Meghan,” she said. “I hope you come back again, again and again.”

Harry and Meghan are in Nigeria at the invitation of the Chief of Defense Staff, the country’s highest-ranking military official, and arrived in Africa on May 10 for the official three-day stay. The visit is significant as their first international tour since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, and PEOPLE’s chief foreign correspondent Simon Perry exclusively joined the trip to Nigeria.

The busy itinerary highlighted the Invictus Games, which Prince Harry founded in 2014 as a vehicle for healing for wounded, injured and sick service personnel through adaptive sport. Harry and Meghan made the trip following Nigeria’s event debut at the latest iteration of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany in September 2023, and the Minister of Defense has expressed interest in hosting the Games in the future.

The Duke and Duchess’ trip kicked off in Abuja and concludes in Lagos on May 12 with a basketball clinic from charity Giants of Africa, a cultural reception at the State Governor Hosue and a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.

Ending the stay in Lagos also calls back to Princess Diana and King Charles’ trip to Nigeria, as they visited the city in 1990.

Meghan Markle harbors serious ambitions to run for president of the United States, according to a report.

After the Duchess of Sussex and husband Prince Harry dumped royal duties with their historic Megxit this year, the 39-year-old former “Suits” star now has her eye on the White House, a close friend told Vanity Fair.

“One of the reasons she was so keen not to give up her American citizenship was so she had the option to go into politics,” the unidentified friend told the mag.

“I think if Meghan and Harry ever gave up their titles she would seriously consider running for president,” the friend added of rumors of a 2024 run.

Her biographer, Omid Scobie, also previously claimed that the former actress “has her eyes set on the US presidency.”

“Meghan is the embodiment of the American dream. One day we may see Meghan become president,” the author of “Finding Freedom: Harry, Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family” previously told a documentary, Vanity Fair said.

Harry and Meghan already sparked scandal with a video urging people to vote that heavily hinted that she was against President Trump, despite the long-standing practice for royals to remain politically neutral. She reportedly has also been cold-calling Americans, urging them to vote.
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Buckingham Palace distanced itself from the scandal — insisting the comments were “in a personal capacity” and stressing that the pair were no longer working royals — while Trump said he was “not a fan of hers.”

“I wish a lot of luck to Harry, because he’s gonna need it,” Trump said at the White House on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, some royal watchers are already writing off her chances of ever surviving a brutal presidential election race.

“I would state categorically that she has no chance of ever running for president. She would be eaten alive,” Andrew Morton, author of “Meghan: A Hollywood Princess,” told Vanity Fair.

“You need the skin of a rhino to run for office especially in America which is an utterly polarized nation. Look what happened to Hillary [Clinton], and she has lived and breathed high-octane politics since college.

“Americans don’t want lectures from Brits — royal blood or not. Just as we don’t want lectures from well-meaning Americans.”

Meghan Markle’s U.K. fan base appears to have collapsed almost completely—with just 1 percent of Boomers feeling “very positive” about her, new polling shows.

The Duchess of Sussex was disliked by 65 percent of Brits, including 45 percent whose view of her was “very negative” and 20 percent who opted for the less severe “fairly negative.”

By contrast, just 4 percent of U.K. adults said they were “very positive” about Meghan, while 18 percent were “fairly positive,” in a poll by YouGov on May 1 and 2 which was released this week.

Meghan Markle surrounded by Union Jacks in a composite image. Just 1 percent of U.K. over-65s have “very positive” feelings about her. DOMINIC LIPINSKI – WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES AND RYAN PIERSE/GETTY IMAGES
The data comes after Meghan last week swerved a trip to Britain, leaving Prince Harry to promote his Invictus Games tournament in London without his wife.

Overall, Meghan had a net approval rating of minus 43, a drop of five points compared to the beginning of April when she was on minus 38.

However, in reality most of the approval comes from people who felt “fairly positive” about her, while the percentage who love Meghan has crashed.

And the strength of feeling about the duchess becomes even more stark when the data is broken down by age.

Among over 65s, 82 percent viewed her negatively, including 68 percent who ticked “very negative,” and this compares to just 1 percent who viewed her “very positively.”

Polls carry a margin of error and are an inexact science. However, that would suggest a ballpark estimate of just 110,000 U.K. Boomers who view Meghan very positively, based on 2021 census data.

That is small enough that they could almost fit in Michigan Stadium. And they could comfortably all go to the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs, which has a capacity of 165,000.

Attitudes warm steadily the younger a person becomes, but even 18- to 24-year-olds still dislike her more than they approve of her.

Meghan was viewed positively by 36 percent of Gen Z and negatively by 40 percent, though again feelings were stronger in the negative camp.

There were just 9 percent who viewed her very positively compared to 20 percent who ticked “very negative.”

Unsurprisingly, she is widely disliked by conservatives but she was also disliked by 49 percent of people who voted for the left-leaning Labour Party in 2019, when it was led by socialist Jeremy Corbyn, Britain’s answer to Bernie Sanders. This compares to 38 percent of 2019 Labour voters who liked her. And 26 percent were “very negative” compared to 8 percent who were “very positive.”

In short, Meghan no longer has a fan base as far as Britain is concerned. The data is not broken down according to ethnicity or religion, but, based on the information available, there is no identifiable demographic who love and adore her and hang off her every word. Even among young people and progressives.

Some of the data makes grim reading for Harry too, though there is more light at the end of the tunnel for the Duke of Sussex.

Gen Z are still more likely to view him positively than negatively, with a net approval rating among 18- to 24-year-olds of plus 6.

Like Meghan, though, he has single-digit percentages for “very positive” in every single breakdown, across all genders, age groups, regions, political affiliations and social class.

By contrast, Princess Kate is viewed very positively by 61 percent of Boomers and 20 percent of Gen Z. Meanwhile, 67 percent of those who voted for Conservative former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2019 felt the same, alongside 27 percent who chose Corbyn’s Labour Party in the same election.

This strongly positive fan base extends to 59 percent of those who voted to leave the European Union but also to 37 percent of those who chose to remain.

Meghan was viewed very positively by 2 percent of leavers but also just 7 percent of remainers.

Queen Camilla has long been viewed as one of the less popular royals, with Britain favoring Kate, Prince William and King Charles III above her, but she also has a clear base in the polling data.

She is disliked by Gen Z Brits, with a net approval rating of minus 30, but liked by over 65s, with a net approval of plus 43. And among Boomers, 34 percent were “very positive.”

Overall, her net approval was plus nine among U.K. adults, including 50 percent who liked her and 41 percent who did not.

And there were some strong hostile feelings, with 21 percent ticking “very negative,” but 16 percent were also “very positive.”

It brings into stark relief just how far Harry and Meghan have sunk that there is not a single demographic group that can muster more than a single digit for “very positive” support.

Harry’s visit to Britain, in which his project for veterans was commemorated at St. Paul’s Cathedral, was on the face of it a PR success, however, he still has a mountain to climb.

That may be a key factor for him to consider in choosing where to host the Invictus Games in 2027 in a context where there is a shortlist of two cities: Washington D.C. and Birmingham, in England.

Meghan Markle has expressed an interest in the world of politics, but do you think the former royal would run for US president? Vote in our poll below.

Would Meghan Markle want to be the US President? (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle has long been rumored to have been eyeing a career in politics, with previous unconfirmed reports suggesting that she’s been forging connections with top Democrats since stepping down from royal duties in 2020.

President Biden’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens, even previously reportedly “endorsed” Meghan as a woman she would back for the White House.

GB News recently reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Nigeria, dubbed the ‘Meghan Tour’, has been described as a potential “warm-up act” of what it would look like if Meghan ran for US President.

Speaking to GB News, royal expert Michael Cole has spoken about whether the former actress would ever consider running for the high-profile political role.

After giving examples of two others in similar positions to Meghan – such as Arnold Schwarzeneger – Mr Cole said: “Maybe this is, shall we say, the third act in the drama of her life. [The] first act being a successful actress in a legal soap, [the] second act [is] marrying a royal prince and becoming a royal duchess [and the] third act [is] politics.”

READ MORE How Harry and Meghan will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary

Meghan is said to have been eyeing up a move into the political field for a while (Image: GETTY)

 

“Plenty of people have gone into it, there are presidents and maybe that’s what [Meghan] sees herself doing.”

Meghan had previously been tipped to be “well positioned” to forge a career in the political field.

Speaking back in 2022, brand and reputation management expert Eric Schiffer told Express.co.uk that he could see Meghan branch out into the field “over the next 20 years”.

Although she remained strictly politically neutral during her time as a working member of the Firm – as required by royal protocol – Meghan had started speaking openly about voter registration and voting rights in the US.

King Charles today unveiled the first completed official portrait of himself since the Coronation at Buckingham Palace.

The painting, by the renowned artist Jonathan Yeo, was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then-Prince of Wales’s 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company.

It depicts His Majesty wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was made Regimental Colonel in 1975.

Today, Yeo spoke of a butterfly on the portrait echoing Charles’s ‘metamorphosis’ from Prince to King during the process – and the monarch joked that it was nice to know he was a chrysalis.

Yeo added: ‘People often say is there a secret to doing a good portrait? And I say I don’t know really. Actually I think there is one, and that’s having an interesting subject to start with. And you couldn’t ask for a better one than this, other than Her Majesty.’

As he gestured towards Camilla – whom he also painted a portrait of in 2014 – the comment was greeted with much laughter by those gathered in the palace.

The canvas size – approximately 8.5ft by 6.5ft framed – was carefully considered to fit within the architecture of Drapers’ Hall and the context of the paintings it will eventually hang alongside.

Yeo had four sittings with The King, beginning when His Majesty was Prince of Wales in June 2021 at Highgrove, and later at Clarence House.

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King Charles today unveiled the first completed official portrait of himself since the Coronation at Buckingham Palace  The painting is by the renowned artist Jonathan Yeo

The last sitting took place in November 2023 at Clarence House.

He also worked from drawings and photography he took of His Majesty, allowing him to work on the portrait in his London studio between sittings.

Yeo said: ‘It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation.

‘When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I’ve painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has transformed.

‘I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter’s face. In this case, my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st Century monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject’s deep humanity.

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King Charles III prepares to unveil the painting at Buckingham Palace in London today

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The painting is revealed for the first time by King Charles at Buckingham Palace today

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Charles stands at Buckingham Palace today next to Jonathan Yeo who painted the portrait

‘I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King.’

At Buckingham Palace, Charles and Queen Camilla were met by The Master of The Drapers’ Company, Tom Harris and Past Master, William Charnley.

Together they joined Yeo who said a few words after His Majesty unveiled the portrait.

Guests included other members of the Drapers’ Company, students and staff from the Drapers’ Academy, Welsh Guards and Yeo’s family.

The portrait will go on public display for a month at the Philip Mould Gallery in London, from this Thursday until June 14. Entry is free.

The artwork is expected to be displayed at Drapers’ Hall from the end of August.

Yeo is one of the world’s leading portrait artists whose subjects have included the industrial designer Sir Jony Ive, broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and activists Malala Yousafzai and Doreen Lawrence.

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A portrait by Jonathan Yeo of Queen Camilla in 2014 when she was Duchess of Cornwall

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A portrait released by Jonathan Yeo in 2008 of Prince Philip, who died in April 2021

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The painting was completed by the renowned artist Jonathan Yeo (pictured in London in 2018)

He has also produced portraits of actors Nicole Kidman, Giancarlo Esposito, Dennis Hopper, Idris Elba and Sienna Miller, artists Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry, model Cara Delevingne and former world leaders Tony Blair, David Cameron, Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Juan Manuel Santos.

In addition, Yeo has previously produced commissions of Prince Philip and Camilla.

Known for both traditional and experimental portraiture, his work has been exhibited widely in museums and galleries worldwide.

He is currently artist trustee of the National Portrait Gallery.

The Drapers’ Company can trace its allegiance to the monarch back to 1364 when it received its first charter from King Edward III.

This formally recognised the fraternity of Drapers in the City of London and granted them the monopoly rights over the cloth trade within the City.

The Company was frequently called upon to supply money, men and arms as required by the Crown.

From the 18th century, such support changed to the financial support of servicemen and the relief of need of the dependants of those injured or killed on duty.

Prince Albert, later George VI, became a Draper in 1919. Queen Elizabeth II became a Draper in 1947, joining the Court in 2017.

Charles became a Freeman of the Drapers’ Company in 1971, when the Company also provided offices for the newly formed Prince’s Trust at Drapers’ Hall.

The Drapers’ Company also boasts a substantial philanthropic arm, which dates back to Tudor times and now is administered through many charitable trusts that have been left in its care.

As far as ‘tour’drobes go, the Duchess of Sussex’s are always iconic, and during her three-day visit to Nigeria there were plenty of fashion moments that showcased her new penchant for hidden meanings.

With a wardrobe of chic and patriotic looks that featured their usual layered symbolism, Meghan explained that she was using colour to get closer to her Nigerian heritage.

‘It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion,’ she said.

But there was much more symbolism beyond colour, as we outline below.

Blush Pink ‘Windsor’ Dress

The couple’s first public event in Nigeria was a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and Meghan oozed casual elegance in the ‘Windsor’ silk gown  from Californian designer Heidi Merrick.

Was this a subtle nod to her children’s surnames when they were born and were called Mountbatten-Windsor?

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The couple’s first public event in Nigeria was a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and Meghan oozed casual elegance in the ‘Windsor’ silk gown from Californian designer Heidi Merrick

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Was Meghan’s blush pink ‘Windsor’ gown by Heidi Merrick a subtle nod to her children’s surnames were announced as Mountbatten-Windsor

Princess Diana’s gold collar necklace

The first subtle nod to Princess Diana was the gold collar necklace she wore with the Windsor dress.

Diana wore the piece on a trip to Lagos, Nigeria in 1996 and Meghan must have felt she was following in her mother-in-law’s footsteps with this tribute.

She teamed the necklace with her vintage Lanvin clip-on earrings, the ultimate symbol of sophisticated glamour, yet they weren’t too overpowering for the daytime outfit.

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|Meghan in Abuja wearing the same gold necklace worn by Princess Diana in Lagos, Nigeria in 1996

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Prince Diana wore the same collar necklace with an Alistair Blair dress in Nigeria in 1990

White and Green ‘flag’ colours

A crisp white suit is a Meghan Markle signature, and she chose this elegant, powerful and versatile ensemble for an official meeting with General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s defence chief.

This teamed well with Harry’s teal suit, giving a look between that paid homage to the country’s white and green flag.

This is how members of the ‘royal’ family usually dress to honour the guest hosts.

The single-breasted, fitted blazer was paired with straight-leg trousers, both from Altuzarra, together with suede brown Manolo Blahnik heels.

An Aurate New York gold collar necklace and Ariel Gordon earrings perfectly complimented the classic suit, giving it a fashion-forward feel.

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Meghan and Harry were a team of colours when they stepped out in colours paying homage to the Nigerian flag

Tropical leaf patterned dress

On the second day of the trip, the couple attended a sitting volleyball game held by Nigeria Unconquered, the charity that oversees Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games.

Meghan opted for a breezy Johanna Ortiz sundress.

With an abstract tropical leaf-pattern print, a decorative cutout at the bust, and a centre slit, the dress was both daring yet sophisticated.

The bold pattern was complemented with simple and chic accessories including oversized Heidi Merrick sunglasses, Emme Parsons sandals and large gold Jennifer Meyer earrings.

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Meghan wore this abstract tropical leaf pattern print to attend an exhibition volleyball match

Red dress by Nigerian brand Orire

When speaking on the Women in Leadership panel on Saturday, Meghan opted for a red dress by Nigerian firm Orire.

The wardrobe choice was apparently a last-minute decision as Markle explained she had quickly got the memo that she needed to wear more colour to fit in with the fabulous fashion in Nigeria.

She accessorized with Kimai’s ‘Semi Hoop’ earrings in gold, and Logan Hollowell’s Tennis Necklace.

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Meghan honoured the host country again by wearing this ethically sourced red dress by Nigerian designer Orire

Princess Diana’s diamond cross pendant necklace

For an evening reception at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Meghan turned to the Australian fashion brand St Agni.

She exuded effortless elegance in an all-white, strapless column dress styled with Princess Diana’s diamond cross pendant necklace, a recent present from Prince Harry.

Channelling understated glamour, the royal opted for vintage Dior ‘Love Knot’ earrings, injecting a hint of nostalgia into her modern look, together with a splash of colour with her Lorraine Schwartz ‘Against Evil Eye’ bracelet.

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Meghan paid homage to Princess Diana again wearing another necklace that belonged to her

Nigerian blue wrap skirt

Meghan brought her game to Lagos at the Giants of Africa event at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School.

Her Carolina Herrera shirt was the perfect accompaniment to a striped blue wrap skirt crafted from traditional Nigerian Aso-Oke fabric which was gifted by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission.

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Meghan in traditional Nigerian blue wrap skirt to watch the basket ball

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Meghan speaks to the children after their basketball game

Proving that fashion is timeless, Meghan recycled a pair of Burberry sandals which were first seen in 2013 and another pair of vintage Lanvin earrings, adding a sentimental touch with her Ariel Gordon personalised pendant necklace, engraved with Archie and Lilibet’s names.

Yellow gown for Mother’s Day

Later on the third day of the tour the Sussexes graced the State Governor House in Lagos.

Meghan chose this bright yellow Carolina Herrera dress that she had made when she was pregnant with Archie.

The Duchess also wore the dress for Archie’s first birthday and Lilibet’s pregnancy announcement, infusing the occasion with a touch of nostalgia for Mother’s Day.

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A brightly dressed Meghan arrives at the Lagos state governor’s house in Lagos

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Meghan was also gifted with the traditional shawl that perfectly matched her canary yellow Carolina Herrera dress