Author: bang3

PRINCESS Diana’s tragic car crash shocked the nation in 1997 – but it wasn’t the only high-profile royal accident.

Nearly 90 years ago, Prince Philip’s beloved sister, Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark, died in a plane crash while she was eight months pregnant.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

7

Prince Philip’s sister died when he was 12 at boarding schoolCredit: Getty – Contributor

7

Princess Cecilie died alongside her newborn baby, husband and two sons in a plane crash in 1937Credit: Alamy

7

A news report from the November 1937 that killed Prince Philip’s oldest sister and her family
The accident, which took place in November 1937, also claimed the lives of six others.

Princess Cecilie, affectionately known as “Cecile”, was said to be Prince Philip’s “favourite sister”, and the scenes were portrayed in season two of The Crown.

Cecilie was the third child out of five to be born to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece.

Born in June 1911, the royal is said to have had a happy upbringing, but also witnessed the First World War and Balkan Wars.

In 1922, Cecilie and Philip’s uncle, who was the monarch in Greece, was forced to abdicate after the Greco-Turkish War and Prince Andrew was accused of treason and exiled.

The family fled to France and were based there for the next decade, but it wasn’t a particularly happy period.

Royal author Philip Eade told Town & Country: “Though his parents both adored him, Philip saw little of them in his nomadic early years.

“His mother’s nerves had been badly strained by the family’s exile from Greece, and because of this the children were regularly packed off to friends and relations.”

In 1931, Cecilie tied the knot with her first cousin once removed, Georg Donatus, Hereditary Grand Duke of Hesse.
King Charles posts touching Father’s Day tribute to Prince Philip with sweet video montage taken over 70 years ago
They went on to have three children, Prince Ludwig, Prince Alexander and Princess Johanna.

Disaster struck in November 1937 when Cecilie – who was eight months pregnant – and her family flew to the UK to attend the wedding of her brother Prince Louis, Prince of Hesse to Margaret Campbell Geddes.

On board was her husband Georg, their two sons, Ludwig, six, and Alexander, four, her mother-in-law and a family friend.

The plane encountered dense fog with the pilot attempting to land at Ostend-Steene airport in Belgium.

7

Series two of The Crown claimed teenage Philip was blamed by his father for the tragedyCredit: Netflix
However, the aircraft hit a factory chimney and crashed against the roof of the building, killing everyone on board – including the pilot and two crewmen.

Firemen found the body of a newborn infant in the debris, leading to the belief that Cecilie had given birth prematurely in the middle of the flight.

It was thought that the pilot had been trying to land as Cecilie went into labour.

Prince Philip, who was 16 at the time, was called into his headmaster’s study at Gordonstoun school to be informed about the tragic accident.

The late royal wrote years later: “I have the very clearest recollection of the profound shock with which I heard the news of the crash and the death of my sister and her family.”

Cecilie and Georg’s surviving daughter, Johanna, who was their only child not on the plane, was adopted by Prince Ludwig and Princess Margaret but died two years later from meningitis.

7

Princess Cecilia of Greece in 1922Credit: Getty

7

Princess Cecilie with Miss Glasgow Mullen at a weddingCredit: TopFoto

Philip’s fury

The horrific incident featured in the penultimate episode of The Crown in season two.

The hit Netflix show portrays Cecilie’s decision to fly from Germany to London as a reaction to Philip, then 16, having problems at school, but this was not the case.

And a scene dramatising Cecilie’s funeral shows their father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, say: “I’m surprised he dare show himself here.

“Had it not been for Philip and his indiscipline she would never have taken that flight. It’s true, isn’t it boy?

7

Prince Philip reportedly wanted to sue The Crown after an episode of the hit show blamed him for the death of his sisterCredit: AFP
“You’re the reason we’re all here burying my favourite child. Get him out of here.”

The imagined scenes were first broadcast in 2017, and did not have a fictional disclaimer.

A royal expert claimed Prince Philip wanted to sue The Crown after it blamed him for the death of his sister.

He contacted royal lawyers Farrer & Co over the scenes, according to the Sunday Times, but did not pursue any action.

Victoria Beckham made her work Christmas party a family affair as she and her team were joined by her daughter Harper, 12, and husband David.

The fashion designer, 49, got into the festive spirit as she kicked back with her staff members at a bash in New York City.

The businesswoman looked typically stylish for the event as she donned a red turtle neck jumper tucked into khaki trousers.

Cinching her waist with a brown belt, the mother-of-four added height to her frame with a pair of heels.

David, 48, looked dapper as ever for the evening as he donned a navy blazer and matching trousers with a white T-shirt.

+6

Victoria Beckham made her work Christmas party a family affair as she and her team were joined by her daughter Harper, 12, and husband David

+6

The businesswoman looked typically stylish for the event as she donned a red turtle neck jumper tucked into khaki trousers

+6

Victoria got into the festive spirit as she kicked back with her staff members at a bash in New York City

Harper, the couple’s youngest child, wrapped up in a navy turtle neck jjumper and a pair of light blue jeans.

Alongside the post, Victoria wrote: ‘The house of VB celebrate the holidays, I’m so grateful to my incredible team. Kisses from NYC’.

Victoria has been making the most of her time in the Big Apple and recently enjoyed a night out with Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen and Christy Turlington.

Victoria looked absolutely sensational in a figure-hugging purple silk dress as she posed with the other three glamorous women.

Cindy, 57, wowed in a grey corset-style dress and black leather jacket, while Christy wore a sheer patterned number as Helena opted for an all-black ensemble.

She penned in the caption: ‘Girls night out in NYC x kisses @cindycrawford @helenachristensen @cturlington x. Casual night out with the supers!!?’

Victoria teamed her gorgeous midi dress with ribbon detailing with peep-toe heels and had her long brunette tresses blow dried to perfection.

It comes just a day after enjoying another night out with her girlfriends in Miami on Monday.

+6

Victoria has been making the most of her time in the Big Apple and recently enjoyed a night out with (L-R) Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington

+6

It comes just a day after enjoying another night out with her girlfriends in Miami on Monday as well as Harper, 12 (L-R: Mariel, Sarah Blundell, Jasmine Hollowday and Isabel Grutman)

Victoria Beckham gets ready for a night out using her makeup line

The former Spice Girls singer took to her Instagram Story as she shared a snap with a group of pals enjoying dinner and drinks as they let their hair down on a girls’ night out in the Florida city.

The mother-of-four and her friends were also joined by Harper, 12, with the youngest of the Beckham brood attending the fun evening.

Victoria looked stylish in a black denim jacket as she sat beside her daughter and model Isabel Grutman.

She was also joined by pals Sarah Blundell, Jasmine Hollowday and Mariel.

Victoria captioned the post: ‘Girls night out! Kisses from Miami!!!’ (sic)

She had one of the most recognisable faces in the world and an iconic expression that was captured on camera multiple times throughout her life.

And, it seems her royal grandchildren have inherited the late Princess Diana’s ‘Spencer stare’, much to the delight of her admirers, who have recently noted a striking resemblance in the kids’ facial expressions.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

6

Princess Diana iconic features have been passed down through the generationsCredit: Getty

6

Prince William has famously inherited the look as well as his childrenCredit: Getty

6

Prince William watches the hearse pull away from Westminster Abbey carrying the body of his mother Princess DianaCredit: AP
Dubbed the “Spencer Stare,” Diana’s distinctive expression typically featured her looking up through her eyelashes with a slightly tilted head, giving an impression of shyness.

The “Spencer Stare” became one of Princess Diana’s signature looks, endearing her to many and contributing to her image as the “People’s Princess.”

Eagle-eyed royal fans have observed that not only have the children inherited her strong jawline and golden features, but also the “Spencer Stare.”

This look was first notably seen in Prince William during his mother’s funeral at the age of 15, standing alongside his uncle, Earl Spencer.

Recently, many royal enthusiasts have shared on TikTok that “William, Charlotte and Diana all have the same eye shape, with William even sharing Diana’s eye colour.”

They’ve also noticed that Prince George and Princess Charlotte have developed the late princess’s gaze.

Videos of Charlotte at King Charles‘s coronation highlighting the striking resemblance have been circulating on social media.

One royal fan commented: “The little princess looks so much like her grandmother Diana, beautiful as ever.”

Princess Charlotte, who wore an ivory silk dress and cape, captivated many as she played the big sister and guided her brothers into Westminster Abbey.

It’s only a matter of time before George, Charlotte and Louis sleep rough like dad William
Photographs of the young princess glaring into the distance with her green eyes have led many royal enthusiasts to remark on her resemblance to Diana.

Another commented: “It’s fantastic that Princess Charlotte is following in her late grandmother Diana’s footsteps!”

A similar reaction occurred after the nine-year-old attended Trooping the Colour in June, where a photographer captured her glare into the camera lens.

6

Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a cream satin dress attending a banquet in New ZealandCredit: Getty

6

Prince George during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 in LondonCredit: Getty

6

Princess Charlotte of Wales arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronationCredit: AFP

The one hobby Kate Middleton is ‘terrified’ Prince George will take up

PRINCESS Kate is said to be worried that Prince George may take up a hobby she “absolutely hates”.

The sport in question is one that Prince William has enjoyed for years… riding motorbikes.

Back in 2015, she admitted that William’s motorbike habit terrified her.

Kate confessed: “He’s still riding it. It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it. I’m terrified.

“Hopefully, I’m going to keep George off it.”

Royal fans have also noted Prince George’s striking resemblance to his late grandmother, inheriting the “Spencer Stare” as he was pictured at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.

Standing alongside his younger sister Charlotte, George was photographed putting on a brave face as he laid his great-grandmother to rest.

At King Charles’s coronation, wearing the traditional uniform for the Pages of Honour, the young Prince was once again captured staring off into the distance.

Princess Diana’s signature stare was perhaps most famously seen during her interview with Martin Bashir in 1995, where she first revealed her perspective on her marriage to Charles.

Throughout the interview, Diana maintained a composed demeanour, but her glare, especially when asked if she thought she would ever be queen, left a lasting impression.

Victoria Beckham has revealed the real reason for her extreme diet, which according to husband David, has seen her eat the same thing for the last 25 years.

The fashion designer, 50, said she first give up meat when she was only eight and now continues to abide by a strict set of rules for the sake of her skin, after struggling with acne at the height of her Spice Girls fame.

Victoria said she now also avoids certain wheats and flours and keeps her complexion radiant with a £2,000 Dermalux LED device, which she uses for 30-minutes every morning.

She told The Telegraph: ‘It was because of my skin that I became very careful about what I ate.’

Victoria also admitted that she now never cooks after previously trying to master the art when the family lived in Spain, after David signed for Real Madrid in 2003.

+10

Victoria Beckham, 50, has revealed the real reason for her extreme diet which according to husband David has seen her eat the same thing for the last 25 years

+10

She also admitted never cooking due to daughter Harper, 13, joking she can ‘burn water’

+10

She said she first give up meat when she was only eight and now continues to abide by a strict set of rules after struggling with acne at the height of her Spice Girls fame (pictured 1997)

She quipped: ‘[My daughter] Harper says I can burn water, so it’s probably better for everyone that I don’t’.

Victoria and David, who wed in 1999, are parents to Brooklyn, 25,  Romeo, 22, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 13.

She also admitted that the reason she always used to look so stern in pictures is because she was self-conscious about her skin.

Over the years, the fashion designer became synonymous for her steely pout, often failing to crack a smile at many a public event.

Victoria has long been open about her insecurity with her ‘problematic’ skin, having suffered with acne since her teens, and struggled soaring to fame in her twenties while having skin issues.

As she reflected on being acutely self-conscious about her looks, she remarked: ‘probably I did look stern in a lot of pictures, but I was so uncomfortable’.

Victoria isn’t the only celeb who has opted for LED treatment, with Light Therapy Masks favoured by A-listers like Kaley Cuoco, Carey Mulligan, Kristen Davis and Suki Waterhouse.

Using a combination of red and infrared light, the at-home beauty device claims to boosts circulation, smooths skin texture, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin looking plumper and younger.

‘They’re so cute’: Victoria Beckham launches ‘perfect hand cream’

+10

Victoria has long been open about her insecurity with her ‘problematic’ skin and struggled soaring to fame in her twenties while having skin issues

+10

She said she now also avoids wheat, Cassava flour and keeps her complexion radiant with a £2,000 Dermalux LED device which she uses for 30-minutes every morning  (pictured)

+10

Victoria also admitted that she now never cooks after previously trying to master the art when the family lived in Spain , after David signed for Real Madrid (pictured as family earlier this year)

Victoria insisted in a recent chat with Grazia magazine that she wouldn’t go as far as to give up her beloved wine and she just wants to ‘have a nice time’.

She did, however, admit her diet was ‘disciplined’, stating: ‘This is how I look. I’m going to make the best of it, work hard at it.

Inside Victoria’s diet

Advertisement

‘I’m very disciplined with the way that I eat, the way that I work out and the way I work. That’s just who I am.’

It perhaps undersells her extreme eating habits, with her husband David previously revealing that Victoria has eaten the same meal every single day for 25 years – grilled fish and steamed vegetables.

‘I get quite emotional about food and wine, when I’m eating something great I want everyone to try it,’ he said.

‘Unfortunately I’m married to someone that has eaten the same thing for the last 25 years!

‘Since I met her she only eats grilled fish [and] steamed vegetables. She will very rarely deviate from that.

‘The only time she’s probably ever shared something that’s been on my plate was actually when she was pregnant with Harper and it was the most amazing thing.

‘It was one of my favourite evenings. I can’t remember what it was but I know she’s not eaten it since.’

In July, Victoria responded to this confession, telling Vogue Australia her husband made her tastes ‘sound boring’ when in fact she fills her diet with ‘healthy fat’ and regularly does detoxes where she abstains from drinking alcohol.

She said: ‘I mean, talk about making me sound boring! No. What he meant is that he’s never met anyone who is more disciplined with the way that they eat.

‘I eat lots of healthy fat: fish, avocado, nuts, that sort of thing. I do drink alcohol, unless I have a reason not to.

+10

David previously revealed that she has eaten the same meal every single day for 25 years – grilled fish and steamed vegetables – branding it ‘unfortunate’

+10

Victoria admitted her diet was ‘disciplined’, stating: ‘I’m very disciplined with the way that I eat, the way that I work out and the way I work. That’s just who I am’

+10

Victoria said her husband made her tastes ‘sound boring’ when in fact she fills her diet with ‘healthy fat’ and regularly does detoxes where she abstains from drinking alcohol

‘I’ll detox from anything for three to six months where I won’t drink. I’m quite extreme in anything I do, whether it’s eating or working out or drinking or not drinking.

Victoria’s extreme diet has hit the headlines over the years, with Rio Ferdinand also  giving an insight into her eating habits.

The retired English footballer, 44, is friends with Victoria’s husband David after playing football together at the World Cup and would sometimes dine with the couple during training.

While speaking to Australian radio show Kyle and Jackie O, host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson admitted she was ‘obsessed’ with Victoria’s diet.

Rio responded: ‘I’ve never seen her eat anything. I don’t remember anything that sticks out of my memory, to be honest.’

Experts today voiced concern over David Beckham‘s new wellness brand, warning the supplements were ‘meaningless nonsense’.

The all-in-one powder ‘Daily Ultimate Essentials’ claims to replace the need for 16 daily supplements with its 92 nutrient-rich ingredients.

The brand IM8, owned by the former footballer, say the £65 product also boosts energy and digestion, as well as giving hair, skin and nails a glow up.

Its ‘Daily Ultimate Longevity’ capsule — setting you back £61 — is also designed to ‘support healthy ageing’.

But experts today labelled the products ‘yet another celebrity endorsed supplement’ and said the brand makes ‘questionable claims’ based purely on ‘limited information from poorly conducted studies’.

Taken in excess, it is ‘unlikely to be harmful’, they cautioned.

However, the quantities of ingredients used in both products are not listed, putting some allergy sufferers at risk, they added, with the benefits of some ingredients even counteracting each other.

Crafted by a team including an ex-NASA chief scientist, IM8 claims it is ‘an unparalleled collaboration between academia, medicine and space science’.

+8

The brand IM8, owned by the former footballer, are selling a £65 all-in-one powder ‘Daily Ultimate Essentials’ and ‘Daily Ultimate Longevity’ capsule, setting you back £61

+8

But experts today labelled the products ‘yet another celebrity endorsed supplement’. Pictured, David Beckham with wife Victoria in October

The all-in-one powder ‘Daily Ultimate Essentials’ claims to replace the need for 16 daily supplements with its 92 nutrient-rich ingredients. Its ‘Daily Ultimate Longevity’ capsule is also designed to ‘support healthy ageing’

Buying the two products together, dubbed ‘The Beckham Stack’ will cost you a thrifty £100.

Among the 92 ingredients in ‘Daily Ultimate Essentials’ is acai and mixed berry powder which includes a blend of pre, pro, and postbiotics for gut health, as well as  vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, superfoods, greens, and adaptogens — herbs believed to help stress levels.

The second product designed to boost longevity contains a ‘powerful formula’ of ingredients that target ‘the 11 hallmarks of aging’ and ‘enhance cellular health’.

This includes copper to aid ‘blood vessel health, immune function and iron absorption’ and popular supplement vitamin B12 to help ‘energy production and cognitive function’.

But Professor Edzard Ernst, a world-renowned expert in complementary medicine at the University of Exeter, told MailOnline: ‘These products will sell well — not because they work wonders but because Beckham promotes them.

‘Helping your “natural energy” and optimising your “body’s digestive health” are terms that might be good advertising but, scientifically, are meaningless nonsense.’

Professor Penny Ward, an expert in pharmaceutical medicines at Kings College London, also said: ‘This seems to be yet another celebrity endorsed nutritional supplement making questionable claims.

‘These are based on limited information from poorly conducted studies and largely anecdotal statements — often the case, regrettably, for these products.’

+8

Buying the two products together, dubbed ‘The Beckham Stack’ will cost you a thrifty £100

+8

Among the 92 ingredients in ‘Daily Ultimate Essentials’ is acai and mixed berry powder which includes a blend of pre, pro, and postbiotics for gut health, as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, superfoods, greens, and adaptogens

+8

The second product designed to boost longevity contains a ‘powerful formula’ of ingredients that target ‘the 11 hallmarks of aging’ and ‘enhance cellular health’

She told MailOnline: ‘All that said, the contents are unlikely to be harmful although some folks might react if they have past allergies to any of the ingredients.

‘There is a rare disease called Wilsons Disease which leads to copper overload and people with that might need to avoid this — as they do any foods or medicines containing copper.

‘It is difficult to know precisely how these supplements could affect people as the actual quantities of each ingredient in each “dose” is not even cited.’

While copper has long been considered safe to consume at low levels for many, a buildup of too much can lead to poisoning — a serious problem if not treated.

Symptoms may range from abdominal cramps and vomiting to jaundice, stiff muscles and even liver failure.

Meanwhile, Professor Gunter Kuhnle, an expert in nutrition and food science at the University of Reading, told MailOnline he was ‘sceptical’ of the products given it is not clear how much of each ingredient is present.

Certain amounts of calcium phosphate for instance, present in both supplements can render zinc — another ingredient — useless, for instance.

Professor Kuhnle added: ‘It’s also not clear whether they are even absorbed by the body or not.

+8

IM8 claimed a 12-week clinical trial at the San Francisco Research Institute showed promising early results

+8

It was sponsored by Prenetics, a US-based health research firm and IM8’s other co-founder alongside Beckham

‘The claims on the label are hyperbole and I assume they’re written with a regulator in mind, so uses the most pompous description that is permitted.’

IM8 claimed a 12-week clinical trial at the San Francisco Research Institute showed promising early results.

It was sponsored by Prenetics, a US-based health research firm and IM8’s other co-founder alongside Beckham.

After 30 days, 93 per cent of participants reported increased energy levels, while 73 per cent experienced ‘better endurance during workouts’.

Six in ten also noticed improvements in both digestion and the health of their hair, skin, and nails, they claimed.

But the study, linked on the IM8 website and published in the National Library of Medicine, does not yet display any results online.

Instead the library claims ‘study results have not been submitted’.

Professor Kuhnle told MailOnline: ‘It is interesting so see a big discrepancy between what the website claims regarding these trials and what the trial register says.

+8

The study , linked on the IM8 website and published in the National Library of Medicine, does not yet display any results online

‘The website claims a wide range of parameters are going to be measured.’

But study details available in the library show among its measures includes BMI, micronutrient intake and self-reported energy levels.

‘Self-reporting is very questionable because people often don’t remember what they ate correctly’, Professor Kuhnle added.

Dr Adam Collins, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Surrey, also told MailOnline: ‘Claims regarding increased energy levels and optimised digestive health are highly subjective, and improvements in these areas are challenging to measure scientifically.

‘Gut microbiome changes, for instance, can be temporary and largely reflect recent dietary intake.

‘The clinical trial for these products is still in its recruitment stage, which means we lack robust evidence to support their efficacy.

‘While there are some reputable scientists involved in developing these supplements, the claims made about their effects should be approached with caution.’

Among its team includes Dr Dawn Mussallem, an oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Dr James Green, former NASA chief scientist and Dr David Katz, the founding director of the US-based Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Centre.

‘There are clearly some big names, but while this is good for marketing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he ingredient really works,’ Professor Kuhnle said.

In an Instagram post, Beckham said: ‘Even though I’ve retired from the game, I want to stay healthy and active.

‘I was looking for a product I could trust and that would fit easily into my daily routine.

‘I’ve tried lots of vitamins and supplements over the years, but it was hard to find a product that gave me everything I need.

‘Health and wellness have always been a priority for me, both on and off the field.

‘We wanted to create something that helps people to feel their best every day — and with IM8, we’ve done that.

‘We’ve brought together a world-leading team of scientists to create something unique and effective, and I’m excited to be able to share it with the world.

‘I have personally experienced the positive impact that IM8 has had on my health, energy and focus.

‘Together with Prenetics, IM8 is harnessing the best of science and innovation, helping people around the world take charge of their health and wellness.’

Meghan Markle appeared to pay tribute to her mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales, while on a four-day tour to Colombia.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was invited to the country by vice president Francia Márquez after the politician saw the couple’s two-part Netflix documentary.

She, alongside husband Prince Harry, 39, arrived in the country on Thursday, where they were greeted by Ms Márquez and her partner, Rafael Yerney Pinillo, before undertaking a number of further engagements that day.

The following day, the couple visited La Giralda School in Bogota, with Meghan donning a pair of butterfly-shaped gold earrings previously owned by the late royal for the appearance.

Eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed that Meghan was sporting the jewellery, which was first worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales on her 1986 royal tour to Canada.

+3

On Friday, while visiting a school in Colombia, Meghan Markle wore a pair of butterfly-shaped earrings that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales

Touching moment student in Bogota gives Meghan Markle a big hug

The then-Princess of Wales was seen wearing the jewels during the trip with then-Prince Charles in May that year.

The appearance occurred a year-and-a-half after Diana gave birth to Prince Harry.

During their trip to La Giralda School, Harry and Meghan took part in an art session and planted trees.

They also visited the school’s ‘social and emotional gym’ which teaches students mental and physical exercises to balance their mental health and personal wellbeing.

Students demonstrated for the couple their personal meditation techniques, and presented them with gifts and handwritten letters.

Harry and Meghan posed for photos alongside the youngsters as they wore traditional dress.

The school is in the Bogota district of Santa Fe which is seen as a particularly dangerous and violent suburb.

Described as Bogota’s red-light district, it is reportedly known for its deadly mix of prostitution, drugs and violence and is best avoided at night, according to locals.

+3

Diana, Princess of Wales is pictured wearing the earrings during a royal tour to Canada in May 1986

It featured on Apple TV series No Go Zones – The World’s Toughest Places – and was described as an area of ‘Colombian gangsters and pimps in charge and all manner of homeless people and addicts find their way to the wasteland of Bogota.’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were escorted to a school amid tight security with at least 16 armoured police vehicles, as well as armed officers and soldiers, seen on patrol before their arrival.

The visit to the school, which is overlooked by rundown apartment blocks and several rundown favelas which cling to the nearby hillsides, comes despite Harry’s raising concerns over his security arrangements when visiting the UK.

Friday’s engagement wasn’t the first time Meghan wore the earrings: In 2018, she was seen sporting them during her and Harry’s tour of Australia.

Diana left much of her jewellery collection to her sons’ future wives. She conveyed her wishes in a letter, which read: ‘I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.’

Meghan Markle turned heads in a sequined skirt and sharp white shirt on Sunday as she arrived at a theatre in Cali, Colombia, to deliver a speech on the final day of the Sussexes ‘quasi-royal’ tour of the South American country.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked radiant in a £1,634 patterned mdi skirt embellished with sequins by Miami-based designer Silvia Tcherassi and a sleeveless white shirt with silver buttons.

Meghan, who gave a speech at the Afro women and power forum taking place at Cali’s Municipal Theatre, was accompanied by Prince Harry, 39, who chose a pale blue, linen shirt for the occasion.

The Duchess’s hair was swept back into a glamorous updo, revealing a pair of gold statement earrings, while she kept her make-up natural.

She completed her outfit with a pair of pink suede pumps and Princess Diana ‘s £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch, along with a £5,800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet.

+14

Meghan Markle (pictured) looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps

Meghan pays tribute to her mother calling her an ‘inspiration’

+14

The Duchess of Sussex gave a speech at the Afro women and power forum in Cali, speaking in Spanish

Meghan and Harry kick off final day of ‘quasi-royal’ Colombian tour

+14

She wore her hair swept back in a glamorous updo to and kept her make-up natural

Meghan’s look today marks a move away from the monochrome outfits she sported earlier on in the tour.

For her first look, Meghan chose one of her favourite designers, Johanna Ortiz, who is from Colombia, pairing the Deep Ocean silk crop top with the Hello Sailor silk maxi skirt. The two pieces together cost approximately £1,700.

As she visited the historic Afro-Caribbean village of San Basilio de Palenque, which was founded 300 years ago by freed slaves, she chose a chose a chic white linen skirt from Posse, the Emma design, costing approximately £200. She paired the wardrobe staple with a white crew neck tank top from Argent, costing £120.

For mother-of-two Meghan, who has previously been known to favour exclusive and pricey designers, this look favoured more modestly-priced key pieces – but it was her jewellery that upped the price tag of the outfit.

Keeping her favoured and most treasured jewellery pieces close, Meghan chose her Cartier Gold Tank Francaise Watch, which once belonged to Princess Diana and is valued at £17,800.

She paired it with her Cartier Justr Un Clou Necklace in Yellow Gold with Diamonds, costing £15,500, and added a final Cartier touch, the Love Yellow Gold Bracelet, which costs £5,800.

Elsewhere, the Duchess added sweet nods to her children, Archie and Lili, by donning her Ariel Gordon Imperial Disc Pendant necklace engraved with the children’s names, costing £1,425.

As the couple kicked off the third day of their tour of the South American nation, they were greeted once again by Colombia’s vice president Francia Marquez as they visited a school and took part in a bongo drum workshop.

+14

Prince Harry chose a pale blue linen shirt for the final day of the Sussexes tour of Colombia

‘Lilibet has found her voice’: Meghan gushes about her daughter

+14

Meghan completed her look with a pair of gold statement earrings and Princess Diana’s £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch

+14

Meghan Markle was a marvel in monochrome as she arrived in Cartagena with Prince Harry on the third day of their tour of Colombia

Meghan and Harry visit music school during tour of Colombia

+14

While Meghan’s second look of the day was demure and modest in cost, her expensive jewellery upped the price tag

+14

The couple appeared to be wearing earpieces, perhaps to aid translation from Spanish to English, as they took part in the class

+14

Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Cartagena, the historic town which sits on the Caribbean Sea, and looked chic as they stepped off the plane

Harry and Meghan share loving and bonding moments on Colombia tour

For their second meeting of the day, they visited the village of San Basilio de Palenque, which has a fascinating history after being founded by freed African slaves almost 300 years ago. It is now described as a ‘little corner of Africa’ in the nation.

The stop was particularly significant for Meghan, as when she visited Nigeria in May she said she was ’43 per cent Nigerian’.

Princess Anne is known for her sporty sense of style and love for keeping things practical.

Her Adidas sunglasses are one accessory the princess has worn plenty of times – most recently at the Olympics in Paris.

The frameless racing design incorporates red polarised lenses and the Team GB logo.

Her daughter, Zara, was originally given a pair as part of her kit when she represented her country as an equestrian at the London 2012 Olympics.

Anne was pictured wearing the same design at the event and has since re-worn them on several occasions – including at the Cheltenham Festival in 2015. 

Prince Harry and Prince William are also fans of sporty shades, as is Prince Albert of Monaco and his son Jacques.  

+13

Princess Anne wearing Adidas Team GB shades as she sits with her father Prince Philip to watch her daughter Zara compete at the 2012 London Olympics

+13

The Princess wore the same sunglasses for the Cheltenham Festival in 2015. She paired the sporty shades with a camel coat and feathered hat

+13

Princess Anne wearing the Team GB shades during the medal ceremony for the Eventing Team final at this year’s Olympics in Paris

Zara’s original shades

When Zara competed in the 2012 Olympics she was given a pair of Team GB-branded specs to wear with her kit.

The royal went on to win silver in the three-day equestrian event, riding 11-year-old High Kingdom.

She missed out on the 2004 Athens games and Beijing 2008 due to injuries but made up for her past absence when the competition came to England.

It was also the same competition that Princess Anne was first seen wearing the same shades, as well as other Olympic merchandise while she proudly watched her daughter.

+13

When Zara competed in the 2012 Olympics she was given a pair of Team GB-branded specs to wear with her kit

+13

The royal won a silver medal during the three-day equestrian event, pictured here during the Welcome Ceremony

Prince William’s sporty specs

For his recent game of polo, Prince William wore black wraparound sunglasses.

The keen sportsman was showcasing his skills at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor earlier this month.

The match was in memory of the late Rugby League legend and MND campaigner Rob Burrow, who William met in January this year.

The charity match raises money for good causes and the prince has played 13 times over the years, raising millions.

He has worn similar shades over the years, including at a polo match in 2017.

+13

Prince William sporting racing shades at a charity polo match in Windsor earlier this month

+13

William playing in another polo match in 2017, wearing different sporty sunglasses

Prince Harry’s athletic shades

In a similar style to his bother, Prince William, Harry sported a pair of black, quirky-cut sunglasses for a polo game in Cape Town in 2015.

However, perhaps they didn’t provide quite enough shade as Harry managed to fall from his polo pony.

The royal, who had scored a goal minutes earlier, appeared unhurt and quickly got to his feet. He walked off the field before returning to play soon after.

+13

Prince Harry sporting a pair of black, quirky-cut lenses for a polo game in Cape Town in 2015

Charles and Diana sporting shades

Princess Diana enjoyed multiple skiing holidays with William and Harry, and always made sure to dress for the occasion.

During a trip to Lech, Austria, in 1991, the Princess wore a pair of dark, rectangle shades to help shield her eyes from the bright white snow.

Prince William and Harry were also suitably kitted out, with Harry wearing sporty green and yellow framed glasses.

William also had a pair of shades, but his were a rounder design.

+13

Princess Diana, with her sons, wearing a pair of dark, rectangle shades to help shield her eyes from the bright white snow in Lech, Austria, in 1991. Harry wore a pair of sporty shades, while William’s glasses were more rounded

+13

Prince Charles, with William and Harry, wearing a pair of red, yellow, white and blue frames during a ski trip in Switzerland in 1996

Charles was also known to enjoy a ski trip with his sons, and was always suitably kitted out.

The then Prince of Wales wore a wide lens pair of sporty shades when skiing with William and Harry in Switzerland in 1996.

The royal had red, yellow, white and blue frames, which contrasted with his grey salopettes.

Harry and William went for a more simple look, both in black lenses.

Prince Albert of Monaco

At a sporting event in 2017, Prince Albert of Monaco chose sporty sunglasses with red frames.

They matched his red, white and black kit he wore to participate in the Riviera Water Bike Challenge.

His wife Princess Charlene wore mirrored sunglasses by Dior for the occasion and watched on as her husband hopped aboard a water bike.

+13

Princess Charlene wearing Dior sunglasses and Prince Albert of Monaco donning a sporty pair of shades in 2017

Princess Charlene’s sunglasses

As well as being known for her elegant fashion sense, Princess Charlene of Monaco has regularly reached for a pair of sporty sunglasses.

In 2020 the royal wore a pair of Scicon sunglasses to the Water Bike Challenge in Monaco.

The wide-framed black lenses definitely helped to provide plenty of shade.

She paired them with a red sports top to complete the athletic look.

+13

Princess Charlene wearing a pair of large black Scicon sunglasses to a Water Bike Challenge in Monaco

Prince Jacques of Monaco’s shades

Taking after his parents, Prince Jacques has also jumped on the sporty shade trend.

In 2020, Jacques wore a pair of Oakley Youth sunglasses as he accompanied his mother to the Water Bike Challenge.

The white frame paired with a red polarised lens created a fashionable look for the young royal.

+13

Prince Jacques sporting a pair of trendy Oakley Youth sunglasses in 2020

Meghan Markle often pays tribute to Princess Diana through her fashion choices.

She recently wore an entire outfit that seemed to come straight from her late mother-in-law’s wardrobe.

Dining at an upscale Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara, Meghan wore a white shirt by Anine Bing tucked into La Ligne mom jeans, reflecting Diana’s iconic off-duty style.

Meghan accessorised her outfit with Chanel ballerinas and a Lady Dior bag – two of Diana’s favourites – as well as a Cartier watch inherited from her.

Diana was frequently seen carrying her quilted Lady Dior bag, prompting the design to be renamed from ‘Chouchou’ to ‘Lady’ in her honour.

Here, we look back at the times the Duchess has replicated her mother-in-law’s style.

+17

At an upscale Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara, Meghan Markle donned an entire outfit that seemed to come straight from her later mother-in-law Diana’s wardrobe

+17

+17

Diana championed off-duty style, pairing a white shirt with mom jeans, and often carried a Lady Dior bag

Butterfly suite

Princess Diana’s charming butterfly suite comprises earrings, a necklace and bracelet.

She debuted two pieces from the set during an official visit to Canada in 1986.

While in Vancouver, Diana accessorised her royal blue Catherine Walker suit with the butterfly earrings and a gold necklace, featuring a matching slide enhancer.

The yellow gold design is set with dark blue gemstones, believed to be sapphires.

+17

+17

Meghan Markle has worn earrings from Princess Diana’s butterfly suite on a number of occasions. Above: Diana wore the butterfly earrings and necklace during a trip to Vancouver, Canada, in 1986; Meghan wearing the earrings during a royal tour of Australia in 2018

A textured cuff bracelet, decorated with diamonds and sapphires, completes the parure.

The princess notably wore this bracelet for a visit to the Lord Gage Centre in Newham in 1990, and continued to wear it over the next decade.

In 2018, following her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan showcased Diana’s earrings and bracelet in Sydney, during their royal tour of Australia.

She has since repeated both pieces, including at the launch of her clothing collection with the charity Smart Works, and a charity performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

+17

+17

A textured cuff bracelet, incorporating diamonds and sapphires, completes Diana’s butterfly parure. Diana wore the gold textured cuff while visiting the Lord Gage Centre in Newham, East London, in 1990 (left). Right: Meghan has worn Diana’s cuff at numerous events, including the launch of her clothing collection with the charity Smart Works in 2019

Off-the-shoulder neckline

In 1987, Princess Diana sported a spectacular pink satin evening gown, featuring a deep off-shoulder neckline that showed off her décolletage.

The dress, designed by Catherine Walker, was selected for a Gala performance by the Royal Ballet at the Berlin Opera House.

This look appeared to be a source of inspiration for Meghan’s Trooping the Colour ensemble in 2018, where she chose a Carolina Herrera dress with a similar neckline and hue.

+17

+17

Diana’s 1987 look appeared to be a source of inspiration for Meghan’s Trooping the Colour ensemble in 2018, where she wore a Carolina Herrera dress with a similar neckline and hue

Cartier Française watch 

Diana wore her Cartier Tank Française on several occasions, including a 1997 visit to London’s Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple and an engagement at the British Lung Foundation that same year.

At the time, the yellow gold timepiece was priced at £17,800.

+17

+17

Diana wore her Cartier Française Tank watch several times throughout the 1990s. Meghan has worn the same watch countless times since marrying Prince Harry

It is said that, following Diana’s death, Prince William chose to keep the watch, while Prince Harry opted for her engagement ring.

However, the brothers swapped when William decided to propose to Kate Middleton.

Harry later gave the Cartier watch to Meghan, who has worn it on countless occasions. It is a clear favourite from her inherited collection.

Strappy red dress 

Attending the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala in New York, Meghan oozed glamour as she graced the red carpet alongside Prince Harry.

The Duchess’s dress, a bespoke design by Carolina Herrera, was reminiscent of one worn by Princess Diana.

In 1995, the late princess attended a swanky dinner party in Argentina, donning a strappy scarlet dress by Catherine Walker.

The glamorous lace mini dress incorporated a plunging off-the-shoulder neckline and strap detailing, creating a distinctive aesthetic.

+17

+17

In 1995, Diana wowed in a strappy scarlet dress by Catherine Walker for a swanky dinner in Argentina. Meghan opted for a Carolina Herrera dress with a similar neckline at the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala in New York

Aquamarine ring

Among Diana’s extensive jewellery collection was a striking emerald-cut cocktail ring.

The piece, a gift from Lucia Flecha de Lima, was made by Asprey in the 1990s.

She memorably teamed the ring with a blue one-shoulder Versace dress for a fundraising gala in Sydney, Australia, in 1996.

Diana wore the emerald-cut design only on one other occasion: a party celebrating the launch of her dress auction at Christie’s, in London, the following year.

Meghan re-introduced this stunning ring, last worn in 1997, on her wedding day.

She paired the jewel with a sleek Stella McCartney ivory gown for her evening reception at Frogmore House.

+17

+17

Diana owned a collection of aquamarines, including a striking emerald-cut cocktail ring

White pencil dress 

During her 2018 royal tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, Meghan opted for a sophisticated white pencil dress by Karen Gee.

The simple, figure-hugging design echoed one worn by her late mother-in-law, some two decades earlier, in 1995.

Hailing from Versace, Diana’s dress incorporated a near identical neckline and silhouette, albeit with a slightly shorter length.

+17

+17

Meghan’s simple, figure-hugging dress, worn in 2018, echoed one that her late mother-in-law showcased in 1995

It was just after 11pm on a Saturday night on August 30, 1997.

My wife, Jill and I had returned from a night out at the pictures watching a just released movie – The Full Monty.

No sooner had I put the key in the lock than my mobile phone rang.

A contact rang to tell me there had been a ‘bit of a bump’ in a car in which Princess Diana was a passenger.

Little did I realise then that this was a night that I would never forget for the rest of my life and the awful events prey on my mind even now.

She had left the Ritz in Paris, with Dodi Al Fayed (the son of the hotel’s owner Mohammed Al Fayed), chauffeur Henri Paul and Dodi’s English bodyguard Trevor Rees Jones.

He told me there were no more details yet, but I knew that even a bump involving the Princess was going to keep me busy the following morning.

+10

Princess Diana seen in St Tropez just a few weeks before her death in Paris

+10

The last ever photo taken of Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed in the Mercedes car in which they were killed a short time later, on August 31, 1997

+10

Drunk chauffeur Henri Paul seen at the wheel of the car alongside bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones, as Diana and Dodi sit in the back

That was the first of dozens and dozens of phone calls that night which resulted in no sleep. Each phone call told me at every stage just how bad it had become.

I rang my news editor and editor at home in the early hours as we found out that Diana and Dodi were in the car and Dodi was probably dead.

Henri Paul had also been killed and Diana was in a very bad way.

Paul had been driving the black bulletproof Mercedes 280SL that was chosen for the fateful journey.

He lost control in the underpass at the Pont D’Alma tunnel and the car horribly crashed.

Both he and Dodi were killed instantly.

Despite efforts to save her, Diana was pronounced dead at 4:00 a.m. French time, after suffering from a stroke in La Pitié Salpêtriére Hospital, Paris. Only Trevor Rees Jones survived.

+10

The wreckage of the car that killed Diana was taken out of the Alma underpass

+10

The ambulance that took Princess Diana to the hospital on the night of the crash

+10

Charles Rae, in the pale blue polo shirt, seen chatting to Princess Diana during her holiday in St Tropez

+10

Diana and her boys, Prince William and Prince Harry, stayed at the Castle St Therese – owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed – in the billionaire’s playground of  St. Tropez, France

+10

Prince Harry seen in St Tropez driving a jet ski as his mother Princess Diana sits on the back

At around 3am another telephone call from my contact told me that Diana was dead.

The call came just before it was officially announced by the then foreign secretary Robin Cook.

For the next eight days, I worked almost non-stop.

I was not a close friend of the Princess, but we knew each other well.

Over the previous few years, we had had many conversations. My deep sadness and anger that she was taken so young has not lessened over the years

The sad and tragic fact is the couple were killed because Paul, who should not have been on duty that night, had been drinking and drove at high speed in an attempt to show off his driving skills.

The subsequent inquest confirmed the presence of alcohol in his blood.

Police bodyguards I have spoken to about this matter all say that had they been on duty with the Princess that fateful night, they would never have let her get into that car.

But police bodyguards had been removed from Diana on her separation from Prince Charles. This was at Diana’s request and not a removal of a perk by the Queen.

Only a couple of weeks before, I had gone down to St Tropez because Diana was on holiday with William and Harry.

Her host was the controversial Harrods boss Al Fayed, at his impressive ‘Castle St Therese’ in St Tropez in the south of France.

This was a 10-bedroom, cream villa set amid a 10-acre estate perched on cliffs overlooking the azure sea.

From the estate, a long flight of steps led to the sea, a private beach and a pier. It was worth around £40million.

The area is the playground for the rich and famous and it is also as leaky as a sieve.

No celebrity goes unnoticed for long and it was only a matter of time before the news hit us about Diana.

Once down there, we had to hire a boat. This was one of the first occasions when, because of the improvements in new technology, we would not have to leave the scene to move our pictures and copy.

We could do it all right there at sea. We did not have to wait long to be rewarded.

Diana appeared in a print leopard swimsuit and the boys were soon zipping around on jet skis and laughing.

A short time later, I spotted the Princess on the balcony. She appeared to be in an agitated state and was talking on her mobile.

+10

The devastated sisters of Diana with her ex-husband, Prince Charles, leaving the hospital where the Princess died from injuries caused by the crash

+10

Princess Diana’s coffin arrives at RAF Northolt after being flown from Paris

With one hand she held her phone, as the other flailed around like a windmill.

The next thing, the princess ended the call, threw the mobile down onto a sunbed and then marched down to the jetty to a waiting speedboat,

With Dave Sharp, one of her sons’ police bodyguards, the boat roared out to sea, and came straight to our vessel.

Diana stood up and, clearly, she was not in a happy mood.

This was in sharp contrast to her earlier demeanor. Whatever had happened in that phone call to make her upset?

Diana made it perfectly clear that she did not want us to leave.

Just as she was about to leave, she dropped a bombshell which has never been explained.

‘You are going to get a big surprise with the next thing I do,’ she said.

She refused to give details of what the revelation would be or when it would happen.

Charles Rae is a former royal correspondent for The Sun and the author of Diana: The People’s Princess – A Personal Tribute in Words and Pictures.