According to Meek, Meghan was initially spotted wearing Cartier jewelry worth over £230,000 at a reception, but these exquisite pieces have since disappeared from her wardrobe. The jewelry in question consisted of a pair of dazzling Cartier earrings, along with a matching bracelet, with a combined value of nearly a quarter of a million pounds.
These pieces featured 19 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.81 carats and 10 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 1.8 carats, all set in 18-karat white gold. The bracelet alone was valued at £241,000.
Meek, responsible for cataloging and preserving valuable jewelry for the royal family, confirmed that the jewelry worn by Meghan and other royal family members that night belonged to the royal collection, which the Queen had lent to Meghan for special occasions. All other jewelry was promptly returned, cataloged, and preserved for future royal events. The only items that went missing were the Cartier bracelet and earrings known as "The Reflection," the very items Meghan had worn at the reception.
Speculation has arisen that Meghan may have sold these items to cover her various expenses, including her lavish wardrobe, which reportedly cost £977,000 during her 22 months as a working royal. Her wardrobe primarily consisted of high-end branded outfits from renowned fashion houses like Dior, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and a range of expensive accessories. While Meghan's royal expenses were covered by funds from the Duchy of Cornwall provided by Prince Charles, there have been rumors of her selling some of her designer clothes to maintain her luxurious lifestyle.
These allegations have further fueled the ongoing scrutiny of Meghan Markle's public image, with some critics accusing her of trying to portray herself as a duchess in the United States. Cultural expert Brandon Nicki suggests that Meghan and Prince Harry's public image has been tarnished, and they are now working to distance themselves from past controversies. Nicki argues that Meghan should move away from the victim narrative and focus on her celebrity status, which could be a lucrative path for her.
The accusation of jewelry theft against Meghan Markle, particularly the alleged disappearance of valuable Cartier items from the royal collection, has raised questions about her actions during her time as a working royal and her current endeavors in the United States. The controversy surrounding Meghan and Prince Harry continues to unfold, with their public image and financial decisions under close scrutiny.