Meghan wears Diana’s £75K aquamarine ring to accept Ripple of Hope award

Updated

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Tuesday attended a public event for the first time since the trailer for their bombshell Netflix documentary dropped.

The pair attended the Ripple of Hope Awards Gala in New York City to receive the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award.

The couple held hands and posed for photographs before the star-studded gala, dressed to the nines in outfits worthy of a red carpet event.

Meghan, 41, wore a custom off-the-shoulder ankle-length gown by Louis Vuitton in an off-white shade, whilst Harry, 38, opted for a navy-blue suit and tie.

Duke and Duchess of Sussexattend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala
Meghan's custom Louis Vuitton dress was a far cry from her days as a senior royal. (Getty Images) (Mike Coppola via Getty Images)

Meghan slicked her hair back into her signature low chignon, and accessorised with diamond earrings, and Diana’s £75,000 aquamarine ring, which was given to her by Harry on their wedding day as her ‘something blue’.

Read more: The trailer for Meghan and Harry's bombshell Netflix documentary shares an intimate insight into their relationship

The dress, which featured a slit up the front centre, is yet another example of how her style has changed post-Royal Family.

Not only is a shoulder-baring gown such as her’s rarely seen on a royal (although Kate did make waves with her Roland Mouret number in the summer and again at the Earthshot Prize Awards last week), but also unusual for a member of the Royal Family to opt for a fashion label such as Louis Vuitton, as most choose to represent British brands.

Prince Harry gave Meghan Markle the aquamarine ring on their wedding day, seen here as they set off for the reception at Windsor Castle. (Getty Images)
Prince Harry gave Meghan Markle the aquamarine ring on their wedding day, seen here as they set off for the reception at Windsor Castle. (Getty Images)
Princess Diana wearing the emerald-cut aquamarine ring in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)
Princess Diana wearing the emerald-cut aquamarine ring in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)

Diana herself only reached for European brands such as Vuitton, as well as Chanel and Gucci, after her and the then Prince Charles had separated, and became a style icon in her post-divorce days.

Of course, before she married Harry, Meghan was used to being in the public eye. Not only was she starring in courtroom drama Suits, but the then-actor was attending events and walking countless red carpets, so she has always known a thing or two about looking good in front of the camera.

Read more: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship timeline, as the trailer for their Netflix documentary arrives

A-list events, and even her own lifestyle blog The Tig, had to take a step back though when she became a senior member of the Royal Family when marrying Prince Harry in 2018.

Cue high-neck midi dresses and work-appropriate pencil skirts for public appearances, and demure gowns for evening wear as the couple took on their duties on behalf of the monarchy.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala at the Hilton Midtown in New York on December 6, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Meghan accessorised with diamond earrings and black pointed high heels. (Getty Images) (ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images)

But when, in January 2020, the couple made the decision to step down as senior royals, the duchess’ style blossomed into its post-royal glory.

Firstly, unrestricted by protocol, or the unwritten fashion rules of 'The Firm', Meghan has been able to stretch her sartorial legs out again, trying out ensembles that she may not have been able to as a working royal, such as baring slightly more skin and shorter cuts.

Her wardrobe now also features more trend-led pieces. Meghan’s royal wardrobe was understandably quite conservative, but today we’re seeing a lot more experimentation with different silhouettes and designers.

Read more: Every time the Duchess of Cambridge and Sussex subtly honoured Princess Diana

Of course, she hasn’t lost her own sense of style. The classics – button-down shirts, blazers, indigo jeans – that she wore before are all still there, if even more refined.

As the Duchess of Sussex returns to the red carpet, take a look at how Meghan’s style trajectory has changed since leaving her role as a senior member of the Royal Family.

December 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala in December 2022. (Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala in December 2022. (Getty Images) (Mike Coppola via Getty Images)

Meghan wore a custom Louis Vuitton dress to accept the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award in December 2022. She paired the draped design with Diana's aquamarine ring and diamond earrings.

September 2022

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022. (Getty Images)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022. (Getty Images) (Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

Meghan wore a black caped dress by British designer Stella McCartney to the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth on September 19, 2022, along with a pair of pearl and diamond earrings gifted to her by the late monarch upon her wedding to Prince Harry.

September 2022

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the town hall during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 - One Year To Go event in September. (Getty Images) (Chris Jackson via Getty Images)

The Duchess of Sussex revealed her toned bare arms on a trip to Dusseldorf, Germany in September 2022 for the Invictus Games One Year To Go events. She paired the knitted halterneck top with cream wide-leg trousers, and didn't wear a jacket on top.

September 2022

Meghan Markle chose and all-red ensemble for her first speaking engagement in the UK her and Harry stepped back as senior royals. (Getty Images)
Meghan Markle chose and all-red ensemble for her first speaking engagement in the UK her and Harry stepped back as senior royals. (Getty Images)

Meghan chose an all-red ensemble for her the One Young World summit in September. It was her first public speaking engagement in the UK since the couple left England for California, and stepped back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family.

The sleek silk blouse and co-ordinating wide-legged tailored trousers by Valentino were accessorised with gold hoop earrings and a gold signet ring.

July 2022

Meghan Markle at the United Nations in New York 2022
Meghan at the 2020 UN Nelson Mandela Prize award ceremony at the United Nations in New York in July 2022. (Getty Images) (KENA BETANCUR via Getty Images)

Meghan opted for a smart, black figure-hugging, knee-length dress, which featured three-quarter length sleeves as she supported Prince Harry during a speech at the UN for Nelson Mandela day. She wore her hair back in a coiffed ponytail and accessorised with a black Mulberry handbag and high heels.

June 2022

 Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a service of thanksgiving in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a service of thanksgiving in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. (Getty Images) (WPA Pool via Getty Images)

For her first official royal event in over two years, Meghan wore a Dior haute couture white coat midi dress featuring a belt, statement collar, cropped sleeves and a slight A-line skirt for the Service of Thanksgiving in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

April 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games in the Hague
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watching the volleyball at the fifth Invictus Games. (Getty Images) (ANP via Getty Images)

A pair of indigo jeans and a belted cream jacket were the items of choice for watching the volleyball at the 2020 Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands in 2022, after they had been postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2022

The Duchess of Sussex on stage during the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 Opening Ceremony
The Duchess of Sussex on stage during the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 Opening Ceremony. (Getty Images) (Chris Jackson via Getty Images)

Meghan forewent what would have been royal protocol and went for a Khaite off-the-shoulder bodysuit and tailored trouser combination to introduce her husband during the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony. The white ruched top was also compared to one worn by Meghan's late mother-in-law Princess Diana in the '90s.

April 2022

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends an Invictus Games Friends and Family reception
The Duchess of Sussex at an Invictus Games Friends and Family reception hosted by the City of The Hague and the Dutch Ministry of Defence in April, 2022. (Getty Images) (Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)

What's so un-royal about a white suit you may ask? The Duchess of Cambridge wears her Alexander McQueen version regularly after all. But Meghan's Valentino two-piece offers a little more oomph that makes it decidedly more 'fashion'. Wide-leg tailored trousers combined with the oversized blazer makes for a cool, effortless, laidback-luxe feel without losing any elegance.

April 2022

Duchess of Sussex during the Invictus Games in April, 2022
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex at the Land Rover Driving Challenge during the Invictus Games in April, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Getty Images) (Patrick van Katwijk via Getty Images)

Diana is that you? Meghan opted for a classic look for a fun day out with kids and families at the 2020 Invictus Games, that could have come directly from Princess Diana's playbook. The casual but practical jeans? Check. A boucle navy jacket by a prominent French brand? (Diana's was Chanel, Meghan's Celine) Check. The two tone ballet pumps? Check check check.

November 2021

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
Harry and Meghan at the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala in New York in November 2021. (Getty Images) (Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images)

Younger female members of the Royal Family have always had a penchant for wearing red, but this Caroline Herrera dress is something else, and far from what you might see a working senior royal wear with its plunging neckline and front slit. Still, Meghan manages to make it elegant and not look overly sexy.

September 2021

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the  Global Citizen Live concert in New York on September 25, 2021
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Global Citizen Live concert in New York in September 2021. (Getty Images) (Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)

Whilst the to half of Meghan's Valentino dress for Global Citizen Live in 2021 is still quite conservative, a mini dress on a royal? Shocker! This is where we really start to see the duchess branching back out with her own sartorial style.

March 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020. (Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2020. (Getty Images) (Dan Kitwood via Getty Images)

For one of their final appearances before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to their new home in California, Meghan opted for deep green dress and matching fascinator for the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. But it was the additional draped cape that gave her outfit a little oompf, and gave fans a glimpse of what was to come from her post-royal style.

January 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Canada House
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Canada House in London on January 7, 2020. (Getty Images) (ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)

The day before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals, the duchess wore a sleek monochrome brown outfit, where you could already see her stretching her sartorial legs in a way that working royals can't.

Advertisement