Getty Images/Ben Stansall – WPA Pool
KEY POINTS
- Meghan Markle wore a Louis Vuitton dress at the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala
- Her dress was reminiscent of her bateau-style wedding dress in 2018
- Markle also wore Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring, which the latter commissioned in 1996
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out Tuesday to receive their award in New York City.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala Tuesday night. They were among the recipients of this year’s award for their work in racial justice, mental health and other social impacts through their non-profit organization, Archewell Foundation, People reported.
Markle was stunning in her white off-the-shoulder Louis Vuitton dress with long sleeves. It was reminiscent of the bateau-style wedding dress she wore in 2018 by Givenchy designer Clare Waight Keller. She styled her hair in a swept low bun, wore black pumps and accessorized with dangling earrings and a matching clutch. Prince Harry looked dapper in his navy blue suit.
However, what took many’s attention was her ring — it was Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring created in 1996 after her divorce from King Charles. The late Princess of Wales commissioned it as a replacement for her engagement ring, Page Six reported.
Princess Diana’s original sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring is in Kate Middleton‘s possession. Prince Harry gave it to his brother, Prince William, and the latter used it when he proposed to the Duchess of Cambridge.
Several also noticed Markle’s sparkler on the blue carpet.
“Gonna need a close-up of that right-hand ring on Meghan,” marketing executive and creator Maile commented.
“Diana’s freedom ring being the perfect protection for my favs #HarryandMeghan,” another added alongside photos of Princess Diana and Markle wearing the same bling.
“What a sweet (and subtle) nod to Princess Diana. That ring carries so much significance and symbolism. Meghan wears it so well and it’s clearly a piece that she’s making her own. Also reminds me of their wedding reception. #FreedomRing #LoveWins,” another wrote.
Kerry Kennedy previously told Spanish news outlet El Confidencial’s Vanitatis magazine the reason for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s award. She said they exemplified “moral courage” against injustice by going against racism in the U.K.’s oldest institution, referring to the British monarchy.
“They went to the oldest institution in U.K. history and told them what they were doing wrong, that they couldn’t have structural racism within the institution; that they could not maintain a misunderstanding about mental health,” she said, People reported.
“They knew that if they did this, there would be consequences, that they would be ostracized, they would lose their family, their position within this structure, and that people would blame them for it. They have done it anyway because they believed they couldn’t live with themselves if they didn’t question this authority. I think they have been heroic in taking this step.”
However, Markle’s estranged sister, Samantha Markle, disagreed that they deserved the award.
“In my personal opinion, I don’t think Harry and Meghan are beacons of … for the fight against racism or any viable cause right now,” Samantha said on last week’s episode of GB News’ “Dan Wootton Tonight.” “I think the Ripple of Hope Award really is bonkers on the grounds that everybody knows it was salient in the media.”
