Meghan Markle paid a subtle sartorial tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing a rare set of diamond and sapphire butterfly earrings during a high-profile evening out in British Columbia, according to reporting from WWD. The Duchess of Sussex selected the sentimental accessories to accompany an asymmetrical black gown designed by Canadian label Greta Constantine while attending the David Foster Foundation’s 40th-anniversary celebration.
The high-profile gala, held on a Friday night in Victoria, brought together notable figures including musician David Foster, his wife Katharine McPhee, Adam Levine, and Josh Groban, as reported by Page Six. For the appearance, the Duchess paired the rare butterfly suite—which features delicate diamond and sapphire detailing—with a simple gold bracelet and her signature quiet luxury aesthetic, maintaining a minimalist approach to her evening look.
The choice of venue and jewels carried a notable historical echo. Princess Diana famously wore the same diamond-and-sapphire butterfly earrings during an official royal tour of British Columbia in May 1986, as noted by WWD. By wearing the pieces in the same Canadian province four decades later, the Duchess of Sussex added an extra layer of personal significance to the public appearance alongside Prince Harry.
A History of Royal Tributes Through Jewelry
The butterfly earrings represent a rarer addition to the late Princess of Wales’s known collection, differing from more frequently seen heirloom pieces like her Collingwood pearl drop earrings. Over the course of her eight-year marriage to Prince Harry, Markle has incorporated several items from Diana’s personal jewelry suite into her public wardrobe, according to WWD.
These sentimental choices began with the couple’s wedding in May 2018, when Markle wore an aquamarine ring previously gifted to Princess Diana by Lucia Flecha de Lima. The central diamonds in the Duchess’s engagement ring also originate from Diana’s collection, alongside a Cartier gold Tank Française watch that remains a regular fixture in her daily wardrobe.
Other members of the royal family similarly utilize Diana’s jewelry to honor her legacy during high-profile engagements. The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, frequently wears pieces belonging to her late mother-in-law, including Diana’s sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring and the Collingwood pearl drop earrings featured in her official 40th birthday portraits, as reported by WWD.
Deepening Ties in British Columbia
The anniversary gala in Victoria supported the philanthropic work of David Foster, who maintains a close personal relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Foster famously assisted the couple by arranging a private getaway on Vancouver Island in late 2019 prior to their step back from senior royal duties, according to Page Six.
The connection between the families extends further through Katharine McPhee, who attended the same Los Angeles middle and high school, Immaculate Heart, as Markle. McPhee noted in a past interview cited by Page Six that her husband shares a close bond with Prince Harry, describing their dynamic warmly.
Following the Friday anniversary gala, the weekend events continued with a public concert at the Victoria Inner Harbour on Saturday, drawing crowds and celebrating four decades of the foundation’s charitable support for families of children needing organ transplants.
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