SOMETHING BORROWED: MEGHAN’S ROYAL DIAMOND BRACELET RETURNS FOR TIME100
The Duchess of Sussex graced the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, embodying the season’s refined minimalism in a masterfully curated ensemble that whispered rather than shouted its pedigree. Meghan Markle’s appearance alongside Prince Harry showcased her signature blend of California ease with royal polish—a sartorial diplomacy she continues to navigate with aplomb.
Markle selected a beige linen Ralph Lauren suit for the Manhattan engagement, embracing the “quiet luxury” aesthetic that has become her calling card. The loose, wide-leg trousers paired with a crisp white button-down created a study in understated sophistication, while the single-breasted blazer added the requisite structure to maintain formality without stiffness. As temperatures rise, Markle’s choice of linen signaled a seasonal transition executed with characteristic thoughtfulness.
Her accessories told a more personal story—most notably the Bentley & Skinner diamond tennis bracelet, reportedly a gift from King Charles himself. The piece, valued at approximately £4,900, features ninety-two brilliant-cut diamonds that caught the light as she gestured during the summit. Royal watchers will recognize this meaningful jewelry item from the eve of her Windsor wedding, creating a subtle through-line in her style narrative that bridges her royal past with her independent present.
The cognac-toned slender belt provided a warming anchor to the ensemble, creating a deliberate interplay with her choice of footwear. Markle returned to her trusted Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in chestnut suede, a silhouette she has embraced multiple times throughout her public life. The BB pump—named for French icon Brigitte Bardot—has become something of a wardrobe constant for Markle, who owns the style in numerous colorways including purple suede and black satin.
“Every season I explore and aim to achieve the perfect shape and cut for my court shoe,” Blahnik himself has said of the design. “I first designed the ‘BB’ in 2008 and it became a classic. It’s a good shoe for every occasion.” At $825, the 90mm stiletto heel punctuates Markle’s commitment to investment dressing—pieces that transcend seasons and trends.
Her beauty approach remained consistent with her sartorial choices—effortless yet deliberate. Her signature brunette locks, which sparked social media speculation about a potential color refresh, fell in loose waves that framed her face, adding a relaxed counter-note to her tailored ensemble.
This appearance comes at a time of renewed entrepreneurial focus for the Duchess, whose lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard launched in April under the umbrella of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.” The eight products showcased in the program sold out within an hour of release, demonstrating that the “Meghan effect” on consumer behavior remains formidable.
As Markle continues to calibrate her public identity in this post-royal chapter, her styling choices serve as conscious communication tools—each outfit a carefully considered manifesto of values and affiliations. Wednesday’s ensemble spoke volumes about her evolving personal brand: elegant, understated, and thoroughly intentional.
