Mystery behind Meghan Markle earrings blown open – and their origins are still disputed
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attended a state dinner, hosted by President Jioji Konrote, during a tour of Fiji in 2018.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's staff were left shocked after they discovered the earrings Meghan wore during the prestigious dinner were possibly linked with Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, a new book has claimed.
A US justice report found that the Saudi Prince had authorised the murder.
Harry and Meghan's staff believed that the opulent earrings were "borrowed" from a jeweller, but royal expert Valentine Low's new book, Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, claims that "It was not true" that they were being lent out.
He adds that Meghan's staff were then left "bemused" by the idea Meghan would "knowingly wear earrings given to her by a man accused of having blood on his hands".
But a decision was made not to raise the issue with the couple, the Daily Mail claims.
Mr Low quoted a source saying: "We made a decision not to confront Meghan and Harry on it."
But just a few weeks later, the Duchess wore the earrings again to then-Prince Charles' 70th birthday party.
Mr Low claimed on that occasion, one royal aide brought up the matter with Prince Harry, who was reportedly "shocked" that people knew the origins of the extravagant jewels.
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But the Sussexes lawyers have since claimed the Duke was never questioned.
Speaking on behalf of the couple, law firm Schillings said: "It is possible she said the earrings were borrowed, which is correct, as presents from heads of state to the Royal Family are gifts to Her Majesty the Queen, who can then choose to lend them out to members of the family."
The lawyers also maintained Meghan didn't know about the Saudi Prince's suspected involvement in Khashoggi's murder.
The Duchess of Sussex has previously shown her support for women's rights in Saudi Arabia, appearing alongside activist Loujain al-Hathloul in 2016.
Speaking on behalf of the couple, law firm Schillings said: "At no stage did the Duchess tell staff that the earrings were 'borrowed from a jeweller', as this would have been untrue and therefore any suggestion that she encouraged them to lie to the media is baseless."
Two days later, they added: "It is possible she said the earrings were borrowed, which is correct, as presents from heads of state to the Royal Family are gifts to Her Majesty the Queen, who can then choose to lend them out to members of the family."
The lawyers also maintained Meghan didn't know about the Saudi Prince's suspected involvement in Khashoggi's murder.
The Duchess of Sussex has previously shown her support for women's rights in Saudi Arabia, appearing alongside activist Loujain al-Hathloul in 2016.