Meghan Markle Holds Responsibility for Diamond Earrings Gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

In a surprising revelation, it has been uncovered that the diamond earrings controversially gifted to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, are still her responsibility.

According to Royal protocol, gifts from foreign heads of state are considered Crown property.

This may explain why reporters were informed during Harry and Meghan's 2018 tour to Fiji that the earrings had been “borrowed.”

However, unlike other senior Royals who receive wedding gifts that are loaned out from a central collection, Meghan has personal responsibility for these earrings.

She can keep them until they are eventually returned to the Crown after her death.

It is common practice for female members of the Royal Family to be loaned priceless jewelry by the Queen.

For instance, Princess Beatrice wore Queen Mary's diamond fringe tiara for her marriage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020.

This tiara was the same headpiece worn by the Queen on her wedding day to Prince Philip in 1947.

The Queen also lent one of Queen Mary's tiaras to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, on her wedding day.

Accepting gifts as a member of the Royal Household comes with strict guidelines.

The official policy, established in 2003, emphasizes that Royals should carefully consider the reason for the gift and decline it if it could create an obligation to the donor or if the donor expects something in return.

This includes clothing that, if worn, could lead to commercial benefits for an individual.

Members of the Royal Family can only keep personal gifts if they meet specific conditions.

These gifts must be given by individuals privately known to the Royal Household member and not connected to any public duty.

Alternatively, the gifts must be valued at less than £150 and come from individuals or organizations with an established relationship to the Royal Household member.

Otherwise, they are classified as “official” gifts and do not become the personal property of individual Royals.

It is worth noting that the Saudi royal family has frequently bestowed jewelry upon their British counterparts.

Renowned royal jewelry expert Lauren Kiehna mentioned that Princess Diana received a suite of diamond and sapphire jewels from Crown Prince Fahd as a wedding present in 1981.

Similarly, the Duchess of Cornwall received three suites of jewelry during her official visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2006.

Despite attempts to reach out for comment, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen not to respond.