Meghan Markle’s Poignant VAX Live Ensemble: A Fusion of Royal Heritage, Empowering Symbolism, and Striking Style
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, captivated audiences during her virtual appearance at Global Citizen’s VAX Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, exuding an aura of regal elegance and profound purpose. The 39-year-old, who was visibly pregnant with her second child at the time, made a powerful statement not only through her heartfelt speech but also with her meticulously chosen ensemble. Dressed in a vibrant red custom Carolina Herrera shirtdress, Meghan adorned herself with a collection of significant gold accessories, blending personal sentiment with a clear message of empowerment and global solidarity.
At the heart of her dazzling display was a deeply symbolic piece of jewelry: Princess Diana’s exquisite gold CartierTank Française watch. This iconic timepiece, valued at an estimated $25,000, carries immense historical and emotional weight, connecting Meghan directly to her late mother-in-law’s enduring legacy. Complementing this royal heirloom, Meghan added her own personal touches, including a cherished $6,550 Cartier LOVE bracelet, a radiant $5,000 gold bangle, and a truly meaningful “Women Power Charm Necklace” by Awe Inspired. This striking $173 gold vermeil piece features a powerful female Venus symbol intertwined with a protesting fist, subtly adorned with a vibrant amethyst stone, echoing the Duchess’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and social justice.
The Enduring Legacy of Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Watch
The gold Cartier Tank Française watch worn by Meghan Markle is more than just a luxurious accessory; it’s a profound connection to royal history and a deeply personal tribute to Princess Diana. The California native has been observed wearing this revered timepiece on numerous significant occasions, underscoring its sentimental value. This watch was widely believed to have been a cherished gift to the late Princess of Wales from her father, John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer, making its journey from one generation of powerful women to another particularly touching.
Following Princess Diana’s tragic passing in 1997, her personal effects, including this significant watch, were carefully preserved. It was reportedly kept by her eldest son, Prince William, for many years. In a gesture of profound love and familial connection, Prince William later gifted the watch to his brother, Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry. The watch subsequently made a poignant re-appearance in a striking black-and-white portrait of Meghan and Harry taken for TIME100 Talks in October 2020. Since then, Meghan has occasionally worn this historic piece, signifying not only its beauty but also her embrace of the legacy it represents. Each time she wears it, the watch serves as a subtle yet powerful homage to a woman who redefined royalty and championed humanitarian causes, much like Meghan herself endeavors to do.
The Cartier Tank watch itself is an icon of timeless design, first introduced in 1917. Its clean lines, rectangular case, and Roman numerals have made it a favorite among royalty, celebrities, and style connoisseurs for over a century. Princess Diana was particularly fond of her Tank Française model, often photographed wearing it, making it an identifiable part of her sophisticated personal style. For Meghan to wear this specific watch at an event focused on global health equity and women’s rights further cements its relevance and her intention to carry forward Diana’s spirit of compassion and advocacy.
“We want to make sure that as we recover, we recover stronger; that as we rebuild, we rebuild together.”
—Meghan Markle at #VaxLive pic.twitter.com/8C5lkP2ia0— michelle (@ddarveyy) May 9, 2021
A Message of Joy and Global Empowerment at VAX Live
Meghan Markle’s participation in VAX Live was not merely a fashion moment but a profound platform for her to share personal news and advocate for critical global issues. During her compelling speech, delivered virtually, Meghan joyfully announced that she and Harry were “thrilled” to be welcoming their unborn daughter, who was due to arrive sometime during that summer. “My husband and I are thrilled to soon be welcoming a daughter. It’s a feeling of joy we share with millions of other families around the world,” she conveyed with warmth and sincerity, her words resonating with expectant parents globally.
Beyond this personal revelation, Meghan connected her impending motherhood to a broader vision for the future of women and girls worldwide. “When we think of her, we think of all the young women and girls around the globe who must be given the ability and support to lead us forward,” she passionately added. This statement underscored her commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders, a theme consistently woven through her public work. The couple are also proud parents to their 2-year-old son,Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, making their growing family a testament to their personal happiness and shared values.
The appearance at VAX Live was exceptionally significant for Meghan, who, alongside Harry, served as a co-chair for the entire event. Their shared goal was to galvanize global support for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing that no one is safe until everyone is safe. While Harry was able to attend and speak in person, Meghan’s virtual presence allowed her to contribute her powerful voice despite being in the later stages of her pregnancy, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the cause.
Addressing the Disproportionate Impact on Women
In her impactful address, Meghan thoughtfully articulated the challenges and disparities exacerbated by the global pandemic. “The past year has been defined by communities coming together tirelessly and heroically to tackle COVID-19. And we’ve gathered tonight because the road ahead is getting brighter, but it’s going to take every one of us to find our way forward,” she declared, acknowledging the collective effort while also highlighting the path that still lay ahead. As campaign chairs of VAX LIVE, both Meghan and Harry underscored a critical principle: “my husband and I believe it’s critical that our recovery prioritizes the health, safety and success of everyone, and particularly women who have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic.”
Meghan delved into the stark realities faced by women globally, pointing out that “Women, and especially women of color, have seen a generation of economic gain wiped out.” This powerful statement highlighted the severe reversal of progress in gender equality due to the pandemic. She supported her assertion with alarming statistics, revealing that “Since the pandemic began, nearly 5.5 million women have lost work in the U.S., and 47 million more women around the world are expected to slip into extreme poverty.” These figures painted a grim picture of the widespread economic devastation impacting women, particularly those in vulnerable communities. Her speech was a fervent call to action, urging leaders and policymakers to ensure that global recovery efforts are inclusive and equitable, explicitly addressing the unique challenges women face.
Her choice of the Awe Inspired “Women Power Charm Necklace” further amplified this message. Featuring the universally recognized female Venus symbol alongside a protesting fist, it served as a tangible emblem of solidarity and resistance. The amethyst stone, often associated with protection and purification, added another layer of thoughtful symbolism to her overall presentation. Through her words and her attire, Meghan Markle masterfully blended personal joy, historical reverence, and urgent advocacy, demonstrating her commitment to using her platform for meaningful social change. Her VAX Live appearance was a powerful reminder of her consistent dedication to humanitarian causes and her vision for a more equitable and empowered world.