Royal insiders have a cheeky nickname for Meghan Markle

PALACE insiders love a good nickname for the royal family, and now Meghan has landed one of her own — and it’s to do with the mother-in-law she never met.

WHEN it comes to getting #inspo from Princess Diana’s wardrobe, Meghan Markle isn’t one to shy away from her mother-in-law’s style.

In fact, she’s so in tune with what the Diana liked to wear, she’s earned herself a nickname from royal insiders working at the Palace.

From wearing Diana’s jewellery, to mimicking certain styles while on her first Royal Tour, the Duchess of Sussex often pays tribute to Harry’s mum — a woman she never got to meet.

When Meghan stepped out in a floor-length white gown for a black-tie dinner in Tonga on Thursday, it was her stunning aquamarine ring she flashed on her right hand that stole the spotlight.

Meghan stepped out at the Tonga State Dinner wearing the aquamarine ring Prince Harry gave her from his mother’s private collection. Picture: Paul Edwards — Pool/Getty Images.

The ring, which was a gift from Prince Harry on the night of their wedding in May, was a well known piece from princess Diana’s collection.

Diana wore the stunning piece to multiple royal engagements. Today, the ring plays as a reminder to Prince Harry whenever Meghan slips the ring on her finger.

During the first day of their royal tour in Sydney, Meghan stepped out wearing a pair of the late Princess’s butterfly earings and matching bracelet.

The petite earrings were first seen on Diana while she and Prince Charles toured Canada in 1986.

During the tour, Meghan also appeared to be wearing a gold bracelet on her right wrist that once belonged to the Princess of Wales and which Diana often sported while performing official duties as well as when she was relaxing with her boys, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Meghan stepped out in identical earrings to Princess Diana. Picture: Georges De Keerle/Getty Images.

The similarities and Meghan’s subtle nod to Diana has lead her to be nicknamed ‘Di 2’ at the Palace.

According to Vanity Fair, royal insiders say “I’ve heard the duchess is referred to as Di 2, because of the similarities to Harry’s mother. It’s meant affectionately, and I think it’s quite true — they are rather alike.”

Photographer Mark Stewart told the publication that he is often reminded by Diana when he photographs Meghan, saying “their wardrobes are quite similar”.

“Meghan loves great tailoring and block colour, just like Diana did.

Veteran photographer Mark Stewart said he can see similarities between Meghan and Diana. Picture: Getty Images; AP

“I remember photographing Diana in Japan, when she stepped out in a red and white spotted outfit. Meghan’s wardrobe choices on this tour really remind me of Diana’s, like the red dress she wore when she arrived in Tonga. It was pure Diana, honouring the national colours of the island before Meghan had even said a word.

“Meghan has the confidence in front of the camera that Diana had, and that same love of fashion and top-end designers. Diana loved Versace; Meghan loves Givenchy. Their style is quite similar: classic, elegant, and with lots of block colours.”

Princess Diana and Meghan Markle have been compared as sporting a similar wardrobe Picture: Getty Images: Splash

Stewart said looks and style aside, the way Meghan interacts with people is in line with how Diana would approach her royal duties.

“The way she bends down to interact with children, there’s a natural empathy and humanitarianism” he said.

“The way she seeks out the cameras and actually makes eye contact. She’s terrific — just like Diana was.”

Princess Diana and Meghan Markle wear a similar watch. Picture: Tim Graham/Getty Images.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will arrive back in Sydney today after spending the past three days touring Tonga and Fiji.

The pair will attend a formal function this evening for the Australian Geographic Society Awards at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney and the Invictus Games’ closing ceremony on Saturday.