Meghan Markle has always been a fan of fine jewellery.

Long before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan was opting to accessorise her classic, minimal outfits with elegant and delicate pieces from brands like Missoma, Birks, Verse fine jewellery and Natalie Marie. Stacked gold rings, mercurian gold chains and small diamond earrings are all staples in Meghan’s wardrobe.

Which is why, when she turned up at the US Open in a simple and understated gold chain bracelet with an evil eye pendant by Turkish brand Alemdara, everybody thought that the piece represented nothing more than another addition to her jewellery box. Even when Meghan continued to wear the bracelet over the past few months, including throughout her royal tour of South Africa, no one considered that the piece might carry an extra layer of meaning.

But now, given the fact that the Duchess of Sussex is suing the Mail on Sunday and its associate parent company for printing a private letter, and given the fact that Prince Harry has released an explosive statement about just how damaging the tabloid reports about his wife has been, many fans think that the bracelet could be hiding something significant.

This is because the evil eye pendant is one of the most powerful talismans around. For centuries and centuries people who have sought to protect themselves from negative energy like jealousy, and to bring them luck and protection, have worn evil eyes on necklaces and bracelets.

Meghan’s particular evil eye talisman, created by Turkish brand Alemdara and retails for £275, draws on a historic Ottoman tradition of evil eye pendants. “An evil eye on your person wards off any ‘evil eye’ or jealousy from others, such are their ability to dispel negative thoughts and energy,” Alemdara’s website reads.

And Meghan certainly has her fair share of negative energy to contend with right now. “My wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences,” Prince Harry wrote in his statement. “A ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son.”

Could this be the reason that Meghan has been wearing evil eye pendants, both on her wrist and around her neck on a matching £450 Alemdara chain? 

Maybe. As E News noted, “Meghan’s too brilliant to do anything by accident… so it wouldn’t be a total surprise if this was her subtle way of warding off the negative influences”.

Or it could merely be a pretty piece of jewellery that the Duchess added to her collection simply because she liked it. You decide which option is more likely. 

Images: Getty