Meghan Markle Revives Princess Diana’s Iconic Earrings for a Glamorous Night Out With Prince Harry — and the Sentimental Detail Has Royal Fans Talking
Meghan Markle made a striking appearance alongside Prince Harry in Canada, but it was not simply her glamorous evening gown that caught the attention of royal watchers. The Duchess of Sussex chose a particularly sentimental accessory for the occasion: a pair of diamond-and-sapphire butterfly earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana.
The couple attended the David Foster Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration in Victoria, British Columbia, on August 7. The star-studded event honored four decades of the foundation’s philanthropic work supporting children awaiting organ transplants. Meghan and Harry were among the prominent guests, joining musicians and entertainers including Adam Levine, Josh Groban and CeeLo Green.
For the evening, Meghan opted for a dramatic black gown from Canadian label Greta Constantine, while Harry appeared in a traditional black tuxedo. Against the simplicity of the dark ensemble, Meghan’s sparkling butterfly earrings provided a subtle but unmistakable connection to Harry’s late mother.
The jewelry has a particularly interesting history. Princess Diana was photographed wearing the butterfly earrings during a 1986 royal visit to Canada. The pieces feature gold, diamonds and dark blue sapphire-colored stones and form part of a matching butterfly jewelry set. Following Diana’s death, the earrings eventually came into Harry’s possession before being given to Meghan.
This was far from the first time Meghan has worn the earrings. She famously debuted them during her 2018 tour of Australia, and has subsequently worn the sentimental pieces on several significant occasions, including appearances connected to her pregnancy and later international engagements. Their repeated appearances have made them one of the most recognizable pieces from Diana’s jewelry collection associated with Meghan.
The timing of the latest appearance also adds another layer of interest. Shortly before the Canadian gala, Harry, Meghan and their children had visited Althorp, the Spencer family estate where Diana spent much of her childhood. That recent connection to Diana’s family history made Meghan’s decision to wear the earrings particularly noticeable, although there has been no indication that the jewelry choice was intended as a specific statement.
The evening itself offered more memorable moments. Meghan and Harry were surprised by a group of traditional bagpipe musicians backstage, a moment that appeared to delight both of them. Meghan noted her husband’s affection for bagpipes, while Harry jokingly wondered where his own bagpipes were. The instrument carries a long association with the British royal family, including traditions established during Queen Victoria’s reign.
Meghan has continued to incorporate pieces associated with Diana into her wardrobe over the years, including an aquamarine ring, a diamond tennis bracelet and other jewelry connected to Harry’s mother. Her latest appearance therefore fits into a broader pattern: using fashion and jewelry to maintain a visible connection with Diana’s memory.
What made the Canadian appearance stand out was the restraint. Rather than choosing an overtly elaborate royal statement, Meghan paired a modern black gown with a small but historically meaningful piece of jewelry.
For royal followers, those sparkling butterfly earrings carried a story far beyond their appearance. They linked Meghan’s present-day public life with Diana’s past—and placed a deeply personal family connection at the center of an otherwise glamorous evening.
