The Duchess of Sussex made a spectacular style statement on Saturday night, attending media mogul Kris Jenner's exclusive 70th birthday celebration in an ensemble valued at more than £170,000. Meghan Markle, 44, and Prince Harry, 41, joined Hollywood's elite for the James Bond-themed extravaganza hosted at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's £130 million Beverly Hills mansion.
A Night of High Fashion and Celebrity Gatherings
The former actress demonstrated her fashion credentials with a sophisticated interpretation of the secret agent theme. She selected a chic high-neck black top paired with an elegant maxi skirt featuring a thigh-high slit, believed to be from Kardashian-approved luxury brand Balenciaga.
However, it was her accessories that truly captured attention, with Meghan's jewellery and handbag collection alone exceeding $10,500 in value. The Duchess showcased her longstanding affinity for Italian luxury brand Aquazzura, wearing several statement pieces from the designer she's favoured since before her royal wedding.
Her coordinated accessories included chunky $625 love link earrings, complemented by a velvet bow tie clutch in espresso colour costing $2,360, and matching heels valued at $1,105, also adorned with decorative bows.
Signature Pieces and Notable Absences
The Duchess incorporated several of her beloved signature items into the ensemble, including her classic $6,446 Cartier Love Bracelet and what appeared to be her stunning $160,000 engagement ring from Prince Harry.
One notable difference between the couple's attire involved remembrance symbols. While Harry prominently displayed a red poppy pinned to his tuxedo, Meghan's expensive outfit appeared to lack the traditional symbol of remembrance.
Their glamorous evening presented a stark contrast to the solemn ceremonies taking place in the UK on Remembrance Sunday. Before stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry would typically have been expected to participate in wreath-laying ceremonies at Whitehall during this commemorative period.
Double Duty: From Charity Gala to Celebrity Bash
The Sussexes demonstrated their commitment to balancing philanthropy and social engagements, having attended the Baby2Baby annual gala earlier the same evening. The couple joined Meghan's longtime friend Serena Williams at the charity event, which they've supported for several years through their Archewell Foundation.
The Baby2Baby organisation provides essential items including nappies, clothing, and basic necessities to children in need across America. According to the charity's website, their lavish annual gala raises millions of dollars each year to fund these vital services.
Meghan took photo opportunities with Baby2Baby co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, both recently recognised among Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024.
As the evening progressed, the couple transitioned to Kris Jenner's celebrity-packed birthday celebration, joining A-list guests including Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Martha Stewart, and the Kardashian sisters.
Body language expert Judi James analysed their arrival for the Daily Mail, noting that Harry appeared to take on a protective role. "Harry's expressionless mode directs the attention to his wife here," James observed, describing the Duke's posture as reminiscent of "Travis Kelce's 'Big Paw' grasp" that signals a desire to protect.
James suggested their dynamic reflected "her return to the big screen as an actress, while he seems to be back in 'Spare' mode here," referencing last week's announcement that Meghan will make a cameo appearance as herself in the new film "Close Personal Friends" alongside Lily Collins, Brie Larson and Jack Quaid.
The Duchess's appearance at the high-profile event fuels ongoing speculation about her business ambitions. Recent sightings with Emma Grede, the British entrepreneur behind Kim Kardashian's successful Skims range, have prompted PR experts to suggest Meghan might be preparing to launch her own Kardashian-style "mega brand."
Industry sources noted tell-tale signs of upcoming product launches after Meghan recently posted Instagram clips showing her applying lipstick with brand names deliberately obscured. "That's a tell-tale sign Meghan has something in the pipeline," one insider revealed to The Mail on Sunday.
The weekend's events showcased the Sussexes' carefully curated balance between philanthropic commitments and high-profile social engagements, all while maintaining their status as global style icons and fuelling speculation about their future business ventures.
