The Duchess of Sussex has found herself at the centre of a fresh royal controversy, following revelations about the origin of jewellery she wore during filming for the couple's Netflix documentary.
Meghan Markle was seen adorned with dazzling pieces that were reportedly gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a figure linked to significant international scrutiny. This has ignited a fervent debate about the strict royal protocols governing the acceptance of presents from foreign dignitaries.
A Breach of Protocol?
Royal experts were quick to highlight the potential misstep. The longstanding 'accepted rule' within the monarchy dictates that such lavish gifts from foreign leaders must be declared and cannot be kept for personal use. They are typically placed in the royal collection or held by the government to avoid any perception of undue influence.
The jewellery in question is believed to have been received during the couple's controversial tour of the Middle East. Its subsequent appearance on a global streaming platform has been labelled by some commentators as a significant error in judgement.
Netflix's Narrative Under Scrutiny
The timing of the disclosure is particularly sensitive. The couple's multi-million dollar deal with Netflix was intended to showcase their new, independent working lives. However, this episode has instead drawn attention back to the very strictures of the institution they stepped away from.
Critics argue that wearing the gifts on camera contradicts the couple's stated desire for privacy and financial independence, while also potentially undermining diplomatic conventions meticulously upheld by The Firm for generations.
As of now, representatives for the Duke and Duchess have not issued an official public statement addressing the specific origins of the jewellery featured in the series. The debate continues to unfold across media platforms, questioning the intersection of personal choice, royal duty, and commercial enterprise.
