Secret meaning behind Meghan Markle’s ‘protective’ Hamsa necklace on Africa royal tour
MEGHAN MARKLE is famous for her chic and understated taste in jewellery - and it turns out one of the Duchess of Sussex's favourite necklaces actually has a VERY special meaning.
Meghan, 38, was pictured today kicking off her royal tour to Southern Africa with Prince Harry wearing a dainty necklace featuring a hand symbol.
Meghan's necklace is the shape of a Hamsa Hand - a protective sign symbolising the Hand of God and believed to give protection from the "evil eye".
It is believed the eye of the Hamsa "repels negativity" and puts a "curse" on anyone wishing that person harm.
The Hamsa hand is an important symbol in Turkish culture which is also supposed to bring "luck, fertility and good fortune".
Today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Nyanga Township in Cape Town and attended a workshop that teaches children about their rights, self-awareness and safety.
And after a number of public appearances together, mum Meghan is expected to stay in Johannesburg with Archie while Harry goes to Botswana, Angola and Malawi.
As part of the tour, Prince Harry, 35, will meet a British military unit who are working alongside the local rangers to help combat the threat of the illegal wildlife trade in Malawi.
It's not the first time Meghan has worn jewellery with the Hamsa symbol.
Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex shared never-before-seen photos of her and Harry's 2017 trip to Africa for World Elephant Day - and in one of the photos, Meghan was pictured wearing a dainty gold Hamsa ring.
The £250 ring is by Turkish designer Kismet by Milka is among one of the Duchess' favourite pieces of jewellery and she was previously pictured wearing it during a visit to the Royal Variety care home last December.
At the time, the Duchess had been accused by her father of "ghosting" him and royal fans were quick to point out that the ring gave protection and repelled negativity.
The Hamsa hand on Meghan's ring features a blue sapphire "evil eye" in the middle which is another cultural symbol for good fortune.
When the hand is facing down, it is believed to bring good luck and fulfilled prayers to the wearer, the reports.
The Duchess of Sussex has also previously worn a £85 ring from Missoma which symbolised "love, passion and friendship thanks to its open-heart design.
And during a visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen in November 2018, Meghan wore a sweet "love" slogan ring shortly after she confirmed she was pregnant with Archie.
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In more Royal Family news, it's been claimed Meghan might buy a large pad in a secluded LA location to keep in touch with her US roots.
And Meghan and Harry have been split up at Madame Tussauds to reflect the Duchess' "celebrity status" over her royal ties.
Plus Kate Middleton asked her friends to start calling her Catherine two years BEFORE Prince William proposed as "she prepared for her future role", a royal expert has claimed.