‘How Insulting’: Meghan Markle Wears Princess Diana’s Necklace in Nigeria, Sparking Reactions

Meghan Markle's choice of necklace on her recent trip to Nigeria with her husband, Prince Harry, sparked a major controversy, with people online calling it "insulting." This new twist adds fuel to the ongoing drama around the Duchess of Sussex, royal scrutiny, and public opinion.

Upon their arrival in Nigeria on May 10, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were honored guests at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja, as part of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an initiative founded by Prince Harry in 2014.

The visit began with Meghan subtly honoring the Duke of Sussex's late mother, Princess Diana, through her choice of jewelry. On the first day, Meghan wore an all-white suit topped with a gold collar necklace.

Meghan's chic necklace was reminiscent of one Diana wore during a visit to Nigeria with King Charles III in March 1990. Even though Diana later updated her wardrobe, she continued to wear the stylish necklace.

Similarly, Meghan also adjusted her outfit later in the day. At the Lightway Academy, she paired the same necklace with a neutral-colored dress, maintaining a link to the elegant style.

The following day, Meghan's choice of a diamond cross necklace, a personal gift from Harry that once belonged to his mother, drew significant attention. She showcased this piece alongside a white strapless dress, but this choice of jewelry sparked a spectrum of public reactions.

One observer expressed, "How insulting to Diana," while another commented, "She doesn't deserve it." The criticism escalated with another's statement, "Don't fit to wear Diana neckless." Someone else remarked, "So disrespectful." The disapproval deepened with more dramatic assertions.

One critic said, "The late Queen prince Philip and princess Diana would be rolling in their graves with Harry and Megan and their behaviour." Another lamented, "Sorry Megan you will never be half the woman Princess Diana was, unlike you she will always be remembered from all humanitarian work she did, she put her heart and soul into to and still took time with her boys."

Some even imagined Diana's disapproval, with one stating, "Princess Diana must be shuddering in her grave this narcissist woman wearing her Jewellery...no way would Harry of ended up marrying her if his mother was still alive not in a million years."

Amid these sharp remarks, a sarcastically veiled compliment surfaced: "She knows all choreography." Despite the criticisms, there were supportive voices as well.

A fan praised, "What a great necklace, that really show they love each other." Another supporter offered a softer perspective, by writing, "So sweet. I'm sure Diana would have love her." Markle's jewelry choices have frequently sparked controversy since she began her relationship with Harry.

In May 2023, Meghan wore a Clarity Retreat Necklace during a hike, the day after skipping King Charles III's coronation. The necklace's website described it as a way to "protect your peace," and "let go of anything that's not working." The crystal's symbolism alluded to Meghan's strained relationship with the royal family.

Royal biographer Omid Scobie noted on ITV’s "This Morning" that she stayed in California to "maintain her peace" while Harry traveled to London for his father's special occasion.

Early in her relationship with Harry, she sported a 14-carat gold chain with their initials "H" and "M," which she bought in October 2016. As reported in the book "Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family" by Scobie and Carolyn Durand, palace aides advised her against wearing the item.

"She was advised that wearing such a necklace only served to encourage the photographers to keep pursuing such images — and new headlines," Scobie and Durand's book shared. Despite this, Meghan continued to wear the necklace. She wore it during the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney.

Despite the past and present controversies surrounding Megan's necklaces, she and Harry continue to promote this year's Games and connect with military communities in Nigeria. Their visit to the country was meticulously planned.

Their schedule was packed with meetings with military leaders, hospital visits to injured veterans, and community events that celebrated local culture and supported military families. Meghan also took this opportunity to connect with her roots, having previously shared on her Spotify podcast, Archetypes, that she is 43% Nigerian.

The controversy surrounding Meghan's jewelry choices during her visit to Nigeria followed her secretive meeting with Harry at Heathrow Airport in London, where she arrived alone from Los Angeles. This low-key meeting sparked various reactions on social media.

One user sarcastically remarked, "Pathetic and strategic." Another reacted, "#HarryandMeghaninNigeria and Harry did again. The famous 'touch and go' like the last time he was in the UK. Imagine the tabloids finding out Meghan was waiting for him on the airport in the UK."

The couple's discreet airport reunion aimed to avoid distractions, though royal experts held a different view. The Royal experts suggested that Meghan's decision to skip the London Invictus Games festivities was calculated.

Her preference for visiting Nigeria, where she anticipates a more welcoming public reception, was reportedly a move to foster positive PR rather than risking potential public disapproval in the UK.

During their last joint appearance at St. Paul's Cathedral for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Meghan and Harry received a polarized reception. The experience of being booed, despite the presence of cheers, has evidently influenced Meghan's subsequent travel decisions and public engagements.

Public relations expert Lynn Carratt explained the nuances of this decision and mentioned that Meghan’s presence in London could have taken the spotlight away from the Games. By having Harry attend the event alone, the focus stayed on the event itself without additional media attention.

Earlier news reports also indicated that Prince Harry had no plans to visit the King of England during his stay. "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full program," a spokesperson for Harry announced.

The statement also explained, "The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon." According to a report, Charles had resumed a packed schedule as he recently returned to his public royal duties.