The newly named Duchess of Sussex honoured her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales for the evening reception for her wedding on Saturday, 19 May at Frogmore House, which was hosted by The Prince of Wales. A photo opportunity as the couple headed to the evening reception was available with Meghan showing off her second wedding dress – this one by Stella McCartney – and the familiar ring.
Eagle-eyed royal watchers immediately noticed the aquamarine emerald-cut sparkler on Meghan’s right hand as she and Harry (now the Duke of Sussex) left Windsor Castle in the silver-blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero Harry was driving to Frogmore. It was a ring of Diana’s that she was seen in numerous times – including at an auction of her clothes just a few months before her untimely passing in 1997.
The ring was part of an aquamarine set that Diana owned; the collection also included an aquamarine bracelet connected by five strands of pearls.
This was not the only way Diana was remembered during the day. Echoes of William and Harry’s late mother were present throughout the day. White roses (Diana’s favourites) were included in the floral arrangements; her sister, Lady Jane Fellowes delivered a reading; and Harry selected another floral favourite of his mother, Forget-Me-Nots, to have included in his bride’s bouquet. Kensington Palace explained, “The couple specifically chose them to be included in Ms Markle’s bouquet to honour the memory of the late Princess on this special day.”
Diana’s favourite hymn was also sung. “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” was also sung at her funeral, and Prince Harry was seen wiping away a tear while it was being sung during the wedding.
Of course, Meghan’s engagement ring also contained a tribute to Diana; two of the diamonds in the ring were from Diana’s private collection with the centre stone from Botswana.