MEGHAN Markle wore earrings gifted to her by the Saudi Crown Prince despite palace aides telling her not to, it is claimed.
The Duchess, 39, wore the jewellery at a dinner in Fiji in October 2018 – three weeks after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The killing of Khashoggi was reportedly ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Meghan’s Butani earrings were given to her by Salman as a wedding gift.
At the time of the formal dinner, the Duchess told reporters that the expensive jewellery was “borrowed” but declined to offer any further information on them.
Her lawyers have insisted that at the time, Meghan was unaware of the widespread speculation that the Saudi royal family was likely behind the killing of the Washington Post journalist.
Yet, according to The Telegraph, royal aides advised the Duchess not to wear the earrings.
A palace insider said: “Members of Royal Household staff sometimes advise people on their options.
TAINTED EARRINGS
“But what they choose to do with that advice is a very different matter.”
Three days after the Fiji dinner, on October 20, Saudi Arabia admitted its embassy officials in Istanbul were responsible for Khashoggi’s death sparking worldwide condemnation.
The following month, Meghan wore the earrings AGAIN at Prince Charles’ 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palace.
One palace aide reportedly confronted the Duchess’ husband Prince Harry about the issue at the event.
The Duke is said to have looked “shocked” when told about the origin of the jewellery.
The earrings were accepted as a wedding gift when the Crown Prince had lunch with the Queen during a three-day visit to London in March 2018.
Last Friday, the CIA said, in a report released by President Joe Biden, that the Saudi Crown Prince approved that Khashoggi be “captured or killed”.
This comes after it emerged that Meghan faced a bullying complaint from one of her closest advisors at Kensington Palace.
Sources told The Times that the Duchess drove two personal assistants out of their jobs – and undermined the confidence of a third staffer.
BULLYING CLAIMS
And in response to the claims, the Queen tonight launched an investigation into the allegations in the latest explosive twist in the Megxit saga.
In an unprecedented move the Palace released a statement saying “we are very concerned” at claims the Duchess bullied staff.
Jason Knauf, Harry and Meghan’s then communications assistant, reportedly submitted the complaint in October 2018 to protect staff who were allegedly coming under pressure from the Duchess.
Insiders said that palace staff were occasionally reduced to tears by the American-born actress.
One royal aide, anticipating a row with Meghan, is alleged to have told a co-worker: “I can’t stop shaking.”
The Sussexes’ lawyers have strongly denied the bullying claims.
A spokesman said: “The duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.
“She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”
They added: “We have addressed these defamatory claims in full, including spurious allegations regarding the use of gifts loaned to The Duchess by The Crown.”
The claims comes just days before Meghan and Harry are due to sit down for their ‘tell-all’ interview with Oprah Winfrey.
