Meghan Markle never met Princess Diana, but the Duchess of Sussex has kept her late mother-in-law’s legacy alive with subtle and striking tributes. From jewelry to wardrobe choices, Markle’s gestures — spanning her Nigeria tour in May 2024 to quiet Instagram moments — echo Diana’s style and spirit. Here are 10 standout times she honored the former Princess of Wales.
Meghan Markle Chose the Cross Necklace in Nigeria
During her May 2024 Nigeria trip with Prince Harry, Markle debuted Princess Diana’s gold cross necklace, a diamond-studded piece her husband gifted her from his mother’s collection. She paired it with a white St. Agni dress, a nod to Diana’s elegance, The Mirror reported.
It Wasn’t Just Her Jewlery That Honored Princess Diana in Nigeria
On the same trip, Markle wore a gold collar necklace with a cream blazer, mirroring a similar piece Princess Diana sported in Nigeria in 1991 with a beige jacket. The parallel was uncanny and intentional.
Rewearing the Collar in Yellow
Markle doubled down on the tribute, re-wearing the gold collar necklace with a yellow dress on the tour’s final day, amplifying the late Princess of Wales’ connection from decades prior.
Wearing the Late Princess of Wales’ Cartier Watch in West Africa
Also in Nigeria, Markle flashed Diana’s £17,800 gold Cartier Tank Française watch, a favorite of the Princess of Wales, blending royal heirloom with modern chic.
Mimicking Princess Diana’s Northwestern Sweatshirt Flashback
On February 24, 2025, Markle posted an Instagram Story wearing a purple Northwestern sweatshirt, according to Yahoo. Yes, Northwestern is her alma mater as she was in the Class of 2003. But, the sweatshirt was also a tribute. It was identical to one Princess Diana was photographed wearing in 1996 with shorts and shades. Fans dubbed it a deliberate hat-tip.
Meghan Markle Chose Butterfly Earrings for Lilibet’s Birthday
For her daughter Lilibet’s first birthday in June 2022, Markle donned Princess Diana’s butterfly earrings, a subtle accessory tribute during a low-key celebration.
Pinstripe Pants Are a Nod to Her Mother-in-Law’s Style
That same day, Markle’s pinstripe pants echoed Princess Diana’s tailored looks, a quiet sartorial wink to her mother-in-law’s polished style.
Naming Lilibet Diana
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry paid a grand tribute to the late Princess of Wales by naming their daughter, born June 4, 2021, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. This was their way of honoring both his mother and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II’s nickname, Lilibet.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Docuseries Reflection
In the 2022 Netflix series “Harry & Meghan,” Prince Harry highlighted some of Markle’s qualities, explaining that her whole personality and being is a tribute to the People’s Princess.
“So much of what Meghan is and how she is, is so similar to my mom,” he said, noting her compassion and warmth.
Nigeria’s Commonwealth Echo
While in Nigeria, a Commonwealth nation, Markle’s presence was seen as a subtle nod to Princess Diana’s global outreach. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Mirror that such praise could mend family rift. It was a Diana-esque diplomatic move.
Markle’s tributes to Princess Diana weave a thread from past to present, blending fashion, family, and legacy. Whether it’s a sweatshirt or a sentimental necklace, she’s keeping Diana’s memory alive.
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10 Times Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Princess Diana