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The Duchess of Sussex wore the late Princess Wales's earrings last weekend

Meghan Markle is "trying to stake a claim on Princess Diana's legacy" after her choice of earrings last weekend, a royal expert has claimed.

Joined by husband Prince Harry, Meghan attended the David Foster Foundation's 40th anniversary gala over the weekend – a star-studded event that saw hair-raising performances from Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas and Pia Toscano.

The Sussexes' connection with David Foster runs deep; the music mogul helped the couple find a place to stay in Canada in 2019, merely weeks before they famously quit their royal duties.

So, to celebrate the special occasion, hosted in British Columbia, Canada, Harry suited up in a tux, while Meghan chose a striking black one-shoulder draped gown by the Canadian label Greta Constantin.

Notably, however, the duchess completed the look with diamond and sapphire earrings from the personal collection of the late Princess Diana.

Per reports, they were the exact pair worn by Diana when she visited British Columbia back in 1986.

It was made particularly poignant, being just weeks after the Sussexes took their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to Diana's final resting place on the Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire for the first time.

However, the Daily Mail's Richard Kay feels the subtle nod may be more significant.

"It does feel to me she is trying to stake a claim on Diana's legacy," he said.

"It would have taken an enormous amount of research to find out precisely what Diana wore on a visit to an obscure part of Canada.

"No offence, but it was a remote part of Canada back in 1986.

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"She does look to me like she's trying to channel the mother-in-law she never met."

Meghan possesses a notable collection of her late mother-in-law's jewellery.

Among the pieces are Diana's butterfly earrings with a matching cuff bracelet, a diamond tennis bracelet, her Cartier Tank Louis watch, and the famous aquamarine ring – often referred to as Diana's "divorce ring" – which Meghan wore on her wedding day in 2018.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic death of the late Princess of Wales, with the Diana Award charity already believed to be orchestrating a series of events.

What that could look like is yet unknown. Harry and his brother, Prince William, could meet again – they have not spoken in person since the late Queen's funeral in 2022, and even that was brief.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams previously told GB News it is "of course a possibility" the brothers could be reunited and noted both Harry and William unveiled the Diana statue in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace five years ago – although much has changed since then.

There is also speculation the Duchess of Sussex may be present at the events, which Harry is said to be keen on. Perhaps this would present another opportunity to use her fashion choices for a poignant nod to her late mother-in-law.

The Diana Award confirmed preparations remain at a preliminary stage.

A spokesman stated: "No plans have been agreed and no decisions have been made regarding attendance or participation."