This Is the Sentimental Gift Meghan Markle Plans on Giving Her Child
The Duchess of Sussex bought this sentimental baby gift long before she met Prince Harry.
It's official: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child together! In a statement released on Monday morning, Kensington Palace announced the news that newlyweds Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would soon become a family of three in the spring of 2019. "Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public," the statement read.
Although the news comes five months after the high-profile royal wedding on May 19, it seems Meghan has been preparing for baby long before she first met her prince.
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In an interview with Hello! in September 2015 (a full 10 months before her first blind date with Prince Harry), Meghan admitted that she splurged on a pricey heirloom that she plans to one day share with her future daughter. "I've always coveted the Cartier French Tank watch," she told the publication. "When I found out Suits had been picked up for our third season—which, at the time, felt like such a milestone—I totally splurged and bought the two-tone version."
In hopes that she would one day become a mother, Meghan went so far as to engrave the watch with a sentimental note. "I had it engraved on the back, 'To M.M. From M.M.' and I plan to give it to my daughter one day," she said. "That's what makes pieces special, the connection you have to them."
At first glance, it's no wonder Meghan chose Cartier's Tank Française model ($5,950; netaporter.com). Crafted from stainless steel and 18-karat gold links, the classic, two-tone watch that the house describes as a "modern heirloom" is equal parts elegant and functional. And while Meghan had no idea of the watch's significance at the time of her splurge, Prince Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, had a close connection to the brand. She was often photographed in Cartier's gold Tank Française, and after her death in 1997, Prince William kept the watch as a memento. The Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton, has been known to sport Cartier fine jewelry as well, specifically a sapphire-embedded stainless steel watch gifted to her by Prince William on their third wedding anniversary.
As for the exact name (and gender) of the royal baby-to-be, we can only guess what the initials "MM" will stand for. However, one thing is for sure: The Duke and Duchess's new baby will have his or her fair share of heirloom jewelry to choose from—watches, tiaras, and crowns included.
