During her recent trip to Nigeria, Meghan Markle honored the memory of Princess Diana in a heartfelt way.
Meghan, 42, wore a diamond cross necklace that once belonged to Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, as she attended a reception for military families in Abuja on May 11. This touching piece of jewelry was a recent gift from Prince Harry, who wanted to share a piece of his mother’s legacy with his wife.
Over the years, Meghan has frequently paid tribute to Diana through fashion, wearing several of her jewelry pieces, including butterfly earrings and an aquamarine ring. Even her engagement ring, designed by Harry, features two diamonds from Diana’s personal collection.
In fact, Meghan and Harry’s visit to Nigeria paralleled a visit King Charles and Princess Diana made in 1990, where Diana also wore notable jewelry pieces, including a gold collar necklace. It seems Meghan may have been subtly paying homage to Diana by sporting a similar style.
On May 11, Meghan paired the cross necklace with a St. Agni white strapless column linen dress, keeping her hair up to let the beautiful jewelry shine. The reception, held at the Defense Headquarters Officers Mess, included an acknowledgment of Meghan’s Nigerian heritage, a point of pride she discovered through a genealogy test revealing she is 43% Nigerian.
Abike Dabiri Erewa, chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora, warmly declared at the event, “Princess Meghan is a Nigerian!” This heartfelt declaration was met with applause and a pleased smile from Meghan.
Continuing her praise, Mrs. Erewa noted, “I was excited but not surprised when Meghan announced her Nigerian heritage. She’s beautiful, intelligent, diligent, and stands strong amidst challenges.” Erewa also warmly addressed Prince Harry, saying, “Prince Harry, you married the best — our daughter, our friend, Princess Meghan. I hope you come back again and again.”
Pricne Harry and Meghan were invited by Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, arriving on May 10 for their three-day stay. This visit marks their first international tour since they stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, with PEOPLE’s chief foreign correspondent Simon Perry exclusively covering their Nigeria trip.
Their time in Nigeria also linked closely with the Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014. These Games provide a platform for healing through adaptive sports for wounded service personnel. This tour followed Nigeria’s participation in the latest Invictus Games held in Düsseldorf, Germany in September 2023, with discussions about hosting the Games in Nigeria in the future.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour took them from Abuja to Lagos on May 12. The concluding day’s agenda included a basketball clinic by the charity Giants of Africa, a cultural reception at the State Governor’s House, and a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.
Their visit to Lagos was symbolic, rekindling memories of Princess Diana and King Charles’ trip to Nigeria in 1990, reinforcing the enduring bonds between the families and the country.
