Meghan Markle’s subtle tribute to Princess Diana

Meghan’s subtle tribute to Diana: Duchess of Sussex carried £3,450 Dior bag named after the late princess in New York – while also wearing her mother-in-law’s Cartier watch

  • Meghan Markle, 40, paid tribute to late mother-in-law Diana in New York 
  • Carried £3,450 Christian Dior’s Lady D-Lite bag as attended Citizen Global Live
  •  Gold Cartier Tank Française watch was worn by Diana at a number of occasions


Meghan Markle paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana by carrying a Dior bag named after her in New York – while also wearing her Cartier watch.

The Duchess of Sussex, 40, stepped out at the Global Live Citizen event on Saturday wearing a black coat and scarf in 76F weather – but it was her accessories that captured the attention of royal fans. 

The mother-of-two paid a touching tribute to late Princess Diana by carrying Christian Dior’s Lady D-Lite bag, which retails at £3,450.

Originally called ‘Chouchou,’ the Lady Dior bag changed its name in 1996 in honour of Princess Diana after she was seen using it. 

The Princess Of Wales carrying the boxy bag at Buenos Aires airport, Argentina on November 26, 1995

The Princess Of Wales carrying the boxy bag at Buenos Aires airport, Argentina on November 26, 1995

Meghan Markle paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana by carrying a Dior bag named after her as she attended the Global Citizen Live event in New York on Saturday

Meghan Markle paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana by carrying a Dior bag named after her as she attended the Global Citizen Live event in New York on Saturday

The boxy bag was gifted to the late royal by the First Lady of France in September 1995, at the opening of the Paul Cézanne retrospective at Paris’s Grand Palais.

At this time, the Chouchou wasn’t yet on sale to the public, and only in the possession of the world’s one per cent. 

And it wasn’t long before Diana starting pairing the black patent bag with many of her chic ensembles – including a white Versace suit that she wore during a trip to Argentina on November 26, 1995. 

Admitting it ‘suited her well,’ the late royal then went on to commission another in navy blue to match the colour of her eyes.

Meghan Markle could be seen wearing the £8768 ($12,000) Cartier watch during Saturday's 'Wokestock' in New York City

Meghan Markle could be seen wearing the £8768 ($12,000) Cartier watch during Saturday’s ‘Wokestock’ in New York City

Meghan's elegant timepiece was originally owned by Diana, who is seen wearing it on her left write at an engagement at the British Lung Foundation in 1997

Meghan’s elegant timepiece was originally owned by Diana, who is seen wearing it on her left write at an engagement at the British Lung Foundation in 1997

Embodying the brand’s vision of elegance and beauty, the sleek and refined style is fully embroidered with a black Cannage motif and the front features a ‘CHRISTIAN DIOR’ signature.

Meanwhile, the thick ‘D.I.O.R.’ charms in pale gold-finish metal enhance and illuminate the silhouette. 

It boasts a wide, reversible and removable embroidered shoulder strap and can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or crossbody. 

Elsewhere, the gold £17,800 Cartier Tank Française watch was worn by Diana at a number of occasions, including a 1997 visit to London’s Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple and an engagement at the British Lung Foundation that same year.

Meghan is known to be a fan of the elegant timepiece and splurged on her own two-tone version back in 2015 when ‘Suits’ was picked up for a third season.

The Princess Of Wales at The National Hospital for neurology and Neurosurgery in London on March 6 1996

Princess Diana opening The National Institute Of Conductive Education at Cannon Hill House in Birmingham on October 31, 1995

 Princess Diana was often seen carrying the Dior bag. Pictured, left in March 1996 and right, October 31, 1995

Princess Diana visiting Liverpool on November 27 1995 wearing a bright orange suit by Versace and carrying the Dior bag

Princess Diana visiting Liverpool on November 27 1995 wearing a bright orange suit by Versace and carrying the Dior bag

At the time, she told Hello Magazine, ‘I’ve always coveted the Cartier French Tank watch. When I found out Suits had been picked up for our third season—which, at the time, felt like such a milestone—I totally splurged and bought the two-tone version

‘I had it engraved on the back, ‘To M.M. From M.M.’ and I plan to give it to my daughter one day. That’s what makes pieces special, the connection you have to them.’

Meghan has been gifted several items from Diana’s collection. They include Diana’s butterfly earrings and gold bracelet which she wore on their Australian tour in 2018.

Yet the watch is a favorite and she has been spotted wearing it often.

The watch had been gifted to Diana by her father on her 21st birthday.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk