There was absolutely no question that Princess Diana’s spirit would shine brightly at her youngest son Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle on May 19. But what no one anticipated was just how deeply her legacy would be woven into the celebration. It wasn’t just a fleeting nod—it was a moment of profound significance that brought tears to the eyes of royal watchers everywhere.

At the couple’s second wedding reception, Meghan Markle stepped into the spotlight wearing a stunning custom silk lily-white Stella McCartney evening gown. But the real showstopper? The dazzling aquamarine ring perched elegantly on her right ring finger. That piece? A confirmed favorite of Princess Diana’s. Meghan’s "something blue" wasn’t just symbolic; it was a direct connection to the late princess, carried forward with grace and poise. The new Duchess of Sussex received this beautiful heirloom from her husband, the Duke of Sussex, as a token of their new chapter together.

prince harry & meghan markle getty images

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And let’s not forget, this isn’t the first time Princess Diana has graced Meghan Markle’s life through jewelry. The engagement ring Prince Harry gave Meghan features two diamonds from his mother’s collection. No doubt, Harry shared the story behind these pieces, ensuring his wife understood their deep meaning and connection to his family history.

The Story Behind the Iconic Ring

Princess Diana famously wore the aquamarine ring in 1997 when she attended the Christies auction of her iconic outfits. But eagle-eyed royal fans will recall that she actually made her debut with this show-stopping piece in Australia back in October 1996. It was at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where she attended the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Dinner Dance, that the world first glimpsed this stunning accessory.

The ring is part of a set, paired with a pearl bracelet featuring a matching aquamarine stone at its center. The couple continued to pay homage to the "People’s Princess" throughout the wedding day. Diana’s sister delivered a heartfelt reading during the ceremony, and Meghan’s bouquet included forget-me-knots, the late royal’s favorite flowers.

Meghan, 36, decided to let the ring take center stage, keeping her wrists bare. Aside from the aquamarine ring and her wedding band, the former actress opted for minimal jewelry, adding only a pair of drop diamond earrings to complete her look.

Evening Attire: A Stunning Second Look

Kensington Palace issued a statement about Meghan’s second ensemble. "The Bride’s evening dress is designed by Stella McCartney and is a bespoke lily white high-neck