The Duchess of Sussex celebrated her 40th birthday on Aug. 4 in a totally royal manner: by using her platform to announce an exciting new charitable project.
Meghan Markle kicked off her birthday celebrations yesterday with a charming video featuring comedian Melissa McCarthy (and a surprising cameo by Prince Harry). In the clip, the two trade friendly barbs virtually before chatting about Markle’s new project, 40×40. The duchess will ask 40 famous friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor a woman returning to the workforce after the pandemic.
Related: Why getting a mentor will make your career this year.
But it wasn’t just the 40×40 initiative that generated buzz online after the video dropped. People also couldn’t stop talking about the two stunning diamond necklaces Markle wore in the video. Spoiler alert: they were a tribute to her two kids, Archie, 2, and Lilibet, two months. So, what exactly do they mean? Well, it’s written in the stars.
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Each necklace features a different constellation, dotted in tiny diamonds, that represent Archie and Lilibet’s zodiac signs (Taurus and Gemini, respectively). Made by Los Angeles-based jewellery designer Logan Hollowell, the price tag rings in at upwards of $1,600 (USD) each. That being said, the designer works only with ethically-sourced gemstones and recycled gold, so we can see why the sustainability-focused Markle brought her business to him.
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Markle fans already know the duchess has a penchant for zodiac-inspired jewellery. She’s also been spotted wearing Taurus and Virgo necklaces (as a nod to Archie and Harry) from Canadian designer Suetables.
According to reports, the duchess kept her big 4-0 celebrations low-key at her Montecito home, although rumour has it Harry planned to whisk her away for a quick, quiet getaway. Meghan turns 40 just months before sister-in-law Kate Middleton in January. Brother-in-law Prince William turns 40 next June.
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