Royal Watch Mystery Captivates Fashion Observers
The Duchess of Sussex has ignited speculation among royal watchers after being photographed wearing what appears to be a significant new timepiece during filming in California. Meghan Markle, 44, chose the Cartier Panthere model instead of her usual Cartier Tank Française watch, which previously belonged to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana and was valued at £17,800.
Historical Connections to Princess Diana
Eagle-eyed followers quickly noted the similarity between Meghan's new wristwear and a watch that Dodi Al Fayed reportedly presented to Princess Diana during their relationship in the 1990s. According to royal biographer Judy Wade, this was among numerous lavish gifts Diana received from Dodi, including extravagant floral arrangements and exotic fruit deliveries.
The Panthere de Cartier watch, first designed in the 1980s, derives its name from the bracelet design that mimics the fluid movements of the brand's emblematic animal. Contemporary versions from this luxury collection now retail for as much as £138,000, positioning them as both timepieces and premium jewellery statements.
Meghan's Evolving Jewellery Collection
While on set for her upcoming film Close Personal Friends in Pasadena, the Duchess complemented her new watch with several other meaningful pieces from her collection. She wore her 18-carat gold Cartier Love bracelet, featuring the brand's signature screw motif symbolising eternal love, which currently sells for approximately £7,050.
Also visible was Meghan's £120,000 engagement ring, specially designed by Prince Harry for their 2017 proposal. This bespoke piece incorporates a cushion-cut diamond from Botswana, representing their first holiday together, along with two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana's personal collection.
The Duchess stacked this with her Welsh gold wedding band, a traditional gift from the late Queen Elizabeth valued at around £10,000, and her eternity ring worth approximately £80,000. The anniversary present from Harry features conflict-free diamonds and secretly includes the birthstones of Meghan, Archie and Harry on its underside.
Return to Acting Career
Meghan appeared delighted during filming, wearing a casual navy and white pinstripe shirt paired with a flowing linen skirt. Her return to acting marks her first professional role since leaving Suits in 2018 to marry Prince Harry and undertake royal duties.
A production source revealed that Meghan has received numerous acting offers since stepping back from royal life, but found this particular project appealing. The insider confirmed that Prince Harry fully supports her return to acting, recognising how much joy it brings her.
Close Personal Friends, an Amazon MGM Studios production, follows two couples - one famous, one not - who meet in Santa Barbara and rapidly develop a friendship. The film features an impressive cast including Lily Collins, Brie Larson and Henry Golding.
This Hollywood venture represents a significant departure from Meghan's last screen appearance in the 2016 Hallmark Channel television movie Dater's Handbook. Industry insiders suggest that Hollywood executives have been encouraging her return to acting, particularly given the renewed popularity of Suits on streaming platforms.
