Meghan Markle wore a pair of Princess Diana’s butterfly earrings at a charity gala in Canada, a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law that many overlooked. The Duchess of Sussex attended the David Foster Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Celebration in British Columbia over the weekend, drawing attention in a dramatic black ball gown.
A Poignant Accessory
The earrings date back decades and were worn by Diana during her 1986 royal tour of Canada with then-Prince Charles, five years after the couple married. Nearly four decades later, Meghan chose the same earrings for another high-profile appearance on Canadian soil.
The vintage yellow-gold stud earrings are designed in the shape of butterflies and pavé-set with sparkling diamonds and dark blue sapphires. They form part of Diana’s 1980s ‘Butterfly Suite’, which also included a coordinating gold necklace featuring a larger butterfly pendant.
Expert Analysis
Jewellery expert Oliver Hobart, from retailer 925E, said: “These are a beautiful example of how coloured gemstones can bring interest to an otherwise very minimal look.”
Hobart explained: “What works particularly well here is the balance. Meghan’s black gown creates a clean backdrop that allows the blue of the sapphires and the brightness of the diamonds to stand out, while the asymmetric neckline means there is no need for a necklace.
“Keeping the rest of the jewellery restrained gives the earrings enough space to be the focal point without the overall look feeling overly styled.”
A Recurring Tribute
It is not the first time Meghan has reached for the sentimental earrings. She previously wore them during her first public appearance after announcing she was pregnant with Prince Archie in 2018 and again during her visit to Colombia in 2024.
Hobart added: “From a design perspective, butterfly jewellery has an enduring appeal because it sits somewhere between classic and whimsical.
“Nature-inspired motifs have been used in fine jewellery for generations, and butterflies in particular allow jewellers to work with symmetry, movement and contrasting stones in a way that feels decorative without necessarily being formal.”
The butterfly earrings are just one of several pieces from Diana’s jewellery collection that Meghan has worn over the years. The Duchess has also been seen wearing Diana’s striking aquamarine cocktail ring and diamond tennis bracelet, while two diamonds from Diana’s personal collection were incorporated into Meghan’s engagement ring.
For Saturday’s appearance, Meghan also reached for another familiar piece from her own jewellery collection - her Cartier Love bracelet. But among the designer gowns and glittering accessories, it was Diana’s delicate butterflies that held the greatest sentimental significance, creating a subtle link between the two royal women and their appearances in Canada almost 40 years apart.
