In a new twist to the royal family saga, it has been revealed that Prince William barred Meghan Markle from wearing Princess Diana's jewelry at her wedding to Prince Harry. This revelation comes from royal biographer Robert Jobson, whose latest book, "Catherine, The Princess of Wales," delves into the intricacies of the royal family's internal dynamics.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot in May 2018 at St. George's Chapel. Meghan Markle, adorned in a stunning Givenchy wedding dress, complemented her attire with the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara. However, she notably did not wear any jewelry pieces that belonged to the late Princess Diana during the ceremony. This omission, according to Jobson, was a direct result of Prince William's intervention.
"William, still concerned by the match, even sought assurances from the Queen that his brother's bride-to-be would not wear any jewelry from the collection once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales," Jobson wrote. "This decision stood in stark contrast to Catherine, who had been allowed to wear Diana's pieces, reflecting her rank and acceptance within the royal fold."
Prince William's caution towards Meghan and Harry's relationship was evident from the outset. He reportedly urged his younger brother to "cool the relationship" to allow Meghan time to adjust to royal life. This advice, however, did not sit well with Prince Harry. According to Jobson, Harry felt judged and insulted by his brother's suggestions, leading to a rapid deterioration in their relationship.
Despite the initial restrictions, Meghan has been seen wearing several pieces from Diana's collection since her royal wedding. She wore butterfly earrings that belonged to Diana during her first public appearance in Australia following her pregnancy announcement. Additionally, Meghan's engagement ring features two small stones from Diana's collection. At the 2022 Invictus Games, Meghan donned a gold Cartier Tank watch, speculated to have been inherited from Diana.
In May 2024, during a visit to Nigeria, Meghan wore a diamond cross pendant that reportedly belonged to Diana. This piece, though never worn publicly by the late princess, was a sentimental gift from Harry. These instances highlight that, despite the initial ban, Meghan has managed to incorporate Diana's legacy into her own royal journey.
The revelations in Jobson's book also touch upon broader tensions within the royal family. The strained relationship between William and Harry predated Meghan's entry into the royal fold but worsened significantly afterward. Jobson notes that William's concerns about the speed of Harry and Meghan's relationship were a significant factor in their deteriorating bond.
Moreover, Jobson's book sheds light on other royal family dynamics, including a clash between King Charles and Prince William over the safety of the royal family flying in helicopters. King Charles, concerned about the safety of William, Kate, and their children, reportedly raised the issue with William, resulting in a heated exchange. Charles even presented William with a formal document acknowledging the risks involved and taking full responsibility for his actions.
