Meghan Markle wore earrings once owned by Princess Diana as she joined Prince Harry for a rare red carpet date night in Victoria, British Columbia, on 7 August 2026. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a black-tie gala marking the David Foster Foundation's 40th anniversary and its work supporting families of children undergoing organ transplants.
The jewellery carried an especially personal connection to the location. Diana wore the same butterfly-shaped earrings during a royal tour of British Columbia in May 1986, meaning Meghan brought the heirloom back to the Canadian province exactly four decades later.
A Diana Heirloom Returns to Canada
The former Suits star paired Diana's diamond-and-blue-stone earrings with the black Fabrizio gown by Canadian fashion label Greta Constantine. The floor-length design featured an asymmetrical neckline, a cape-like drape over one shoulder and a train. Meghan completed the look with black heels, a slim gold bracelet and a delicate ring, while wearing her hair in a sleek bun that kept the earrings fully visible.
The Duchess of Sussex has previously worn the butterfly earrings at several major public moments. She first publicly debuted them in Sydney in October 2018, shortly after she and Harry announced that they were expecting their first child, Prince Archie. Meghan later wore them for the 2019 launch of her Smart Works clothing collection and during the couple's visit to Colombia in August 2024.
Harry coordinated with his wife in a traditional black tuxedo and bow tie. The couple walked the red carpet together before posing with 16-time Grammy-winning producer David Foster and his wife, Smash actor and singer Katharine McPhee.
Meghan later posted a smiling selfie with Harry and footage from inside the gala on Instagram, captioning the post only with a Canadian flag and red heart emoji.
A Canadian Fashion Moment With Royal History
Meghan's choice of a Canadian designer gave the black-tie look another connection to British Columbia.
Her sleek bun and pared-back accessories kept Diana's blue-and-diamond earrings at the centre of the styling.
The monochrome gown also allowed the heirloom's colour and sentimental history to stand out on the red carpet. Together, the Canadian-made dress and Diana's earrings connected the evening's fashion to two places central to Meghan and Harry's story: Canada and the royal family.
Canada Remains Part of Their Story
Canada has played a recurring role in Meghan and Harry's relationship. Meghan lived in Toronto while filming the legal drama Suits, while the couple made their first official public appearance together at the 2017 Invictus Games in the city. They later stayed on Vancouver Island after stepping back as senior working royals in 2020 and returned to British Columbia for the 2025 Invictus Games.
The earrings also extend a pattern of Meghan wearing pieces from Diana's personal collection. Her jewellery includes Diana's aquamarine ring, Cartier Tank watch and diamond tennis bracelet, while two stones from Diana's collection were incorporated into Meghan's engagement ring.
At the Victoria gala, the butterfly earrings linked Diana, Meghan and Harry through both family history and a Canadian setting shared across two generations.
