Hidden meanings behind Meghan Markle’s royal tour jewellery, including turquoise ring for ‘strength’ and a necklace that ‘wards away evil’

AS THE royal tour comes to an end, so do Meghan Markle’s stylish outings on her ten-day trip to Africa with Prince Harry.

But the Duchess of Sussex’s £9,000 wardrobe hasn’t been all about clothes – with an array of eye-catching jewellery receiving widespread praise for paying tribute to good causes and raising the profile of local designers.

Throughout her busy schedule of engagements in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the Duke’s 38-year-old wife chose to accessorise with pared back necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.

Rather than delve into the diamonds of her £600,000 jewellery collection, she opted for old favourites – including her eco-friendly £115 Gas Bijoux drop gold earrings – as well as items from the high street or by lesser-known and local jewellers.

Many of the pieces worn by five-month-old Archie’s mum also came with their own hidden messages.

From a ring featuring a turquoise stone for “strength” and a necklace bearing a hand symbol that wards off evil, these are the subtle signs you might have missed…

Turquoise ring for ‘strength’

In June, it was revealed that Meghan had blinged up her £240,000 engagement ring, which previously belonged to Princess Diana.

However, for the tour she left the rock at home in an effort to be more “low key” and selected a more understated alternative to sit alongside her gold wedding band.

The ring – by American celebrity jeweller Jennifer Meyer – costs £200.93, and has been worn by the Duchess on several previous occasions.

It features a marquise cut turquoise stone set in the middle of an 18-karat yellow gold band.

According to gemologists, turquoise has been used for centuries thanks to its healing powers, and is said to emit strength, friendship and protection.

‘Justice’ bracelet

On the first day of the trip, Meghan and Harry, 35, stepped out in matching beaded bracelets bearing the word ‘Justice’.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were both spotted with the identical red and white beaded accessory around their wrists as they visited township Nyanga.

They were greeted by school children and dancers as they learnt more about human rights organisation Justice Desk.

It appears their matching bracelets paid tribute to the charity, supported by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, and for which Harry, 35, is president and Meghan, 38, is vice-president.

The Duchess was also seen wearing another beaded bracelet later in the tour, which was revealed to have been given to her as a gift by local schoolchildren at an earlier engagement.

‘Wise’ labyrinth earrings

Earlier this week, Meghan wore a pair of statement earrings to visit ActionAid in Johannesburg.

Made by local designer Pichulik, they cost less than £100.

According to the brand’s website, the pieces “represent our hero’s journey into our centre to know ourselves intimately so that we may venture out in the world strong, clear and wise”.

Necklace and bracelet to ‘ward off evil’

The Duchess was also seen sporting a necklace featuring symbols that ward away evil.

For her visit to the Nyganga township, Meghan chose the £450 piece – adorned with the ‘evil eye’ and ‘hamsa’ hand.

The hand-crafted 18-carat gold chain, which she wore on two further occasions, is by Alemdara – a brand founded by former Tatler journalist Mariella Tandy.

According to the brand’s website: “As per Ottoman legend, an evil eye on your person wards off jealousy from others.”

It also dispels “negative thoughts and energy”.

And the ‘hamsa’ hand is a protective sign symbolising the Hand of God, and is thought to “repel negativity” and puts a “curse” on anyone wishing that person harm.

Later in the tour, Meghan was seen wearing a £775 bracelet, also from the brand, featuring the same symbols.

In other royal news, we told you how the Queen has a cheeky slogan cushion that reads ‘It’s good to be Queen’ on her favourite sofa in Balmoral.

We also revealed that Kate Middleton and Prince William are getting new neighbours at Kensington Palace – and it could be Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

And Meghan Markle’s morning routine includes getting up at 4.30am and listening to a “wake up playlist”.