Getty Images
Day three of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s royal tour of southern Africa wrapped up in the early hours of Thursday morning, New Zealand time, and in just three days there have already been plenty of noteworthy moments.
While Archie’s adorable appearance will no doubt be at the top of many people’s list, we’ve also seen Meghan bust out a few dance moves, seen some sweet moments between the couple with locals during their walkabouts and heard plenty of the details the couple have shared about Archie along the way.
WATCH: Adorable Archie makes his first appearance on a royal tour. Story continues below…
As is the way with royal tours, Duchess Meghan’s outfit choices have also been a big talking point, particularly as she’s chosen to re-wear some of the outfits worn during her tour last year while pregnant with Archie, as well as the super casual jeans and denim jacket combo she chose for an engagement on Monwabisi Beach in Cape Town.
But it’s not just the clothes that have people talking it’s the jewellery, or lack thereof, that piqued fans’ interests, particularly because it was her engagement and eternity rings that she’s chosen not to wear during the tour so far.
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice Meghan was missing the two sparklers, instead opting to wear her gold wedding band and a ring which People has identified as a Jennifer Meyer turquoise marquise ring.
Meghan has been spotted sans her engagement and eternity rings, instead wearing just her wedding band and a delicate turquoise marquis ring. (Image: Getty)
According to a source who spoke to the publication, Meghan wanted to be more low-key during her meet-and-greets in South Africa, and this is reportedly applies to royal protocol when meeting the royal couple too, with Katie Nicholl from Vanity Fair revealing the couple have chosen to forego royal protocol during the tour, for a more relaxed approach.
While security will be airtight, the couple have reportedly requested for there to be as little formality as possible, allowing things to be more relaxed as they meet and connect with locals.
“It’s very much how they want things done,” a close source tells Vanity Fair.
“There is no protocol that says you have to bow or curtsy when you meet them, it’s really up to the individual.”
Palace aides also confirmed to Vanity Fair that the couple are happy to be referred to by their first names, especially if they’re meeting members of the public.
A source has revealed Meghan made the decision in an effort to be more low-key during meet-and-greets. (Image: Getty)
Meghan’s rings made headlines in June when not only was it revealed she’d upgraded her original engagement ring designed by Harry, but she had also added a third ring, a meaningful eternity ring gifted to her by Harry for their one-year wedding anniversary, to the stack.
The three rings were spotted during her appearance at the Trooping the Colour parade in June.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted the new eternity ring and upgraded engagement ring at Trooping the Cololur in June. (Image: Getty)
According to royal correspondent Omid Scobie, Harry designed the eternity ring himself, with the help of renowned jeweller Lorraine Schwartz, and if that wasn’t touching enough, it was also revealed that the bespoke ring, which is made with conflict-free materials, has a very special connection to their new family.
Harry thoughtfully adding his, Meghan’s and baby Archie’s birthstones to the underside of the ring – sapphire for Harry, green peridot stone for Meghan and green emerald for Archie – and all have their own meaning and significance.
Sapphire is believed to protect those close to you, peridots are said to bring power to the wearer, while emeralds are associated with love and rebirth.
Speaking to BAZAAR.com, a close source revealed, “Meghan was touched.
“A lot of thought went into it.”
