Meghan Markle’s Subtle Nod to Princess Diana at the NAACP Image Awards
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s NAACP Image Awards appearance on Feb. 26 included a small nod to Princess Diana. The Duchess of Sussex accepted an award alongside the Duke of Sussex wearing her late mother-in-law’s jewelry.
Prince Harry and Meghan received the President’s Award
On Feb. 24, NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson released a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter, saying Meghan and Harry were to receive the President’s Award for their social justice efforts.
“We’re thrilled to present this award to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” he began. He continued, noting they’ve “heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity both in the US and around the world.”
The couple called it a “true honor” to receive the award in a statement of their own. “We’re proud to support the NAACP’s work,” they said. “And to also partner with the organization on the newly created annual NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award.”
Upon receiving the award, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex talked about the digital justice movement.
“This community knows what it means to speak up for what is right and to march forward is just,” Harry said. “As the fight for justice still remains, it’s time to extend this march to the world online, a place where hate and discrimination are fueled instantly, propagated globally and felt deeply.”
“This is the era of the digital justice movement,” Meghan said before adding, “We are proud to partner with NAACP and each of you to translate the vital efforts of those who came before us to the modern challenges that exist ahead of us.”
Meghan wore Diana’s bracelet to the NAACP Image Awards
As Hello! pointed out about Meghan’s NAACP Image Awards appearance her outfit included a gold bracelet that once belonged to Diana.
The 40-year-old paired a blue gown by Christopher John Rogers with a gold bracelet of Diana’s featuring sapphires and diamonds. It has an estimated value of £25,000 or $33,000, as diamond expert Maxwell Stone told the publication.
That’s not the only nod to Diana. Newsweek highlighted the similarities between Meghan’s gown and one worn by Diana during a 1988 visit to Thailand. Additionally, the Suits alum wore her engagement ring. Designed by Harry, it includes diamonds that once belonged to Diana.
Meghan’s worn Diana’s jewelry before
Meghan’s NAACP Image Awards outfit wasn’t the first time she’s turned to Diana’s closet. Or even the gold bangle. The Duchess of Sussex’s been spotted wearing Diana’s jewelry on numerous occasions. Before stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, Meghan occasionally wore pieces from her mother-in-law’s collection.
When she debuted her Smart Works clothing line in 2019 Meghan honored Diana with her jewelry choice. Not only did she wear the gold bracelet but she also wore a pair of butterfly earrings that once belonged to Diana.
A year earlier, when the couple got married on May 19, 2018, Meghan paid tribute to Diana with another piece of jewelry. On this occasion, the newly minted Duchess of Sussex wore Diana’s aquamarine cocktail ring to her wedding reception at Frogmore House.
