She also showcased a new addition to her jewelry collection, the striking $4,100 Queen emerald-cut Cuban choker, a 14-karat solid gold piece from the Los Angeles-founded jewelry brand Logan Hollowell. This unique choker featured a bezel-set Colombian emerald.
Meghan further complemented her look with earrings described as special custom-made pave spear dangle studs, thoughtfully designed by Sarah Hendler. An interesting detail about these earrings is that each of them was crafted with birthstones representing Meghan's firstborn, Archie, and her husband Harry, in accordance with Meghan's specific request.
However, some critics argued that Meghan's choice of earrings bore a resemblance to designs from a particular brand, particularly the "Family Spy" and "Family Earrings Angle Drops," which were inspired by a popular Japanese manga, "Spy x Family." The collection included "Thorn Princess" earrings, and Meghan's version of these earrings featured gemstones that some perceived as a display of her wealth.
The controversy stemmed from the belief that these earrings, which symbolized her living son Archie, were not quite suitable for a daytime event like World Mental Health Day. Critics found it socially insensitive to wear birthstone jewelry for her living child when meeting with grieving parents, which they saw as a lack of respect and seriousness on her part. What puzzled some observers was Meghan's decision to wear earrings symbolizing Archie but not Lily, their second child, leading to discussions about the term "invisible birthstone," which signifies a remembrance and a mark of respect for a child who is not physically present.
Meghan's choice of the name "Lilibet" for her daughter also raised speculation, as some viewed it as having strategic political implications rather than being a name chosen out of personal preference. In addition, some speculated that Meghan's choice of jewelry might have been in response to Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing earrings gifted by a mother in memory of her daughter Izzy, who tragically took her own life.
The ongoing promotion of Harry and Meghan as working royals, particularly by UK tabloids, appeared to overshadow and outshine the genuine work of the broader royal family. This situation led to frustration among some who felt that it diminished the efforts of the rest of the royal family. It's important to remember that Harry and Meghan voluntarily stepped away from their UK roles and duties, a fact that the British press occasionally overlooks.
The continuous promotion of the Sussexes as working royals, despite not being part of the official royal setup, has caused frustration among those who believe it diminishes the efforts of the broader royal family.
