Although they never had the opportunity to meet, the presence of Princess Diana looms large in the public life of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Over the years, Meghan has cultivated a distinct sartorial dialogue with her late mother-in-law, weaving references to Diana’s most iconic looks into her own modern wardrobe. From heirloom jewelry to near-exact outfit recreations, these gestures serve as a continuous, visible link between the two women who married into the House of Windsor decades apart.
A Legacy Worn on the Wrist and Finger
The most personal connections are arguably found in the jewelry box. Prince Harry has acted as the primary custodian of his mother’s collection, passing significant pieces to his wife. Chief among them is the Cartier Tank Française watch in yellow gold, a daily staple for Diana. Harry gifted the timepiece to Meghan, and she has worn it consistently across both formal engagements and casual outings since their marriage.
For the evening reception of their 2018 royal wedding, Meghan chose Diana’s aquamarine ring, a striking piece set in yellow gold that the Princess wore frequently following her divorce. Later that same year, during the couple’s inaugural royal tour of Australia, the Duchess debuted Diana’s butterfly earrings and matching necklace, reintroducing the whimsical set to the global stage.
The ‘Lady Dior’ and the Language of Accessories
Meghan’s homage extends beyond the vault. In July 2024, she was photographed carrying the Lady Dior bag—the accessory famously renamed in Diana’s honor after she became its most devoted ambassador. Meghan selected a black quilted version, styling it with a crisp white shirt and jeans, and notably personalized the strap with the initials DSSOS (Duchess of Sussex), merging royal protocol with personal branding.
Echoes of Iconic Ensembles
The parallels in ready-to-wear choices have drawn intense scrutiny from royal watchers, with several instances standing out for their precision:
- The ‘First Appearance’ Look (2017): For her first official photocall with Prince Harry at Kensington Palace, Meghan wore a white wrap coat over a black turtleneck and jeans. The ensemble bore a striking resemblance to the outfit Diana wore during a 1997 visit to Bosnia, signaling a deliberate visual continuity.
- The Green Coat Comparison (2020): Meghan’s emerald Erdem coat, worn for a Commonwealth Day service, echoed the silhouette and contrasting trim of a Bellville Sassoon design Diana favored in 1982.
- The ‘Revenge Dress’ Parallel (2021): Perhaps the most analyzed sartorial choice came during the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan’s black Armani dress with a plunging V-neck and belted waist evoked immediate comparisons to Diana’s Christina Stambolian “revenge dress”—worn in 1994 the night Prince Charles admitted adultery on television. The choice was widely interpreted as a visual statement of autonomy and resilience.
A Consistent Aesthetic Philosophy
Beyond specific replicas, stylists note a broader alignment in philosophy. Both women gravitated toward
Source: caras.com.mx
