Meghan Markle wears ‘Hand of Fatima’ rings in Botswana trip pictures

Meghan Markle wore a meaningful ring which is said to bring the wearer ‘happiness, luck, health, protection and good fortune’ during a ‘crucial’ trip to Botswana with Prince Harry in 2017.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a series of heartwarming images from their conservation trip on their Sussex Royal Instagram page earlier today. 

In one of the pictures, Meghan can be seen cradling an elephant’s trunk, with the Duchess donning a selection of dainty gold rings, including a ‘Hand of Fatima’ thumb ring. 

The 14KT rose gold design, which was created by Turkish brand Kismet by Milka and retails for £250 ($440 AUD/$300 US) features a hamsa – an ancient symbol that is made up of an open hand with an eye embedded in the palm.

Harry and Meghan released a series of unseen pictures from their trip to Botswana in 2017 on their Instagram page today, including this one of the duchess cradling an elephant’s trunk 

The previously unseen photos were released to mark World Elephant Day, with the couple saying they were sharing the pictures to announce that the awareness created from their environment post last month has already been of huge benefit to EWB.

The royal couple travelled to Botswana months before announcing their engagement in 2017,  with the trip being described as ‘crucial’ in allowing them to grow their bond.

While there they became very involved with the organisation Elephants Without Borders, and helped Dr Mike Chase who works for the charity. 

In one of the pictures, Meghan can be seen cradling the trunk of an elephant with both her hands, wearing a silver elephant bangle and a selection of gold rings.   

The royal couple released a series of photographs on their Instagram page to mark World Elephant Day. Meghan and Harry are pictured in New Zealand last year

While her left fingers aren’t visible, she is wearing at least four rings on her right hand, included the £250 Hamsa ring by the Turkish brand.    

The delicate Hamsa ring by Turkish designer Kismet by Milka retails for £250 

The hamsa is also known as the Hand of Fatima in Islam and the Hand of Miriam in Judaism, and is widely regarded as a symbol of protection. 

In the case of Meghan’s ring, the eye features a delicate sapphire at its centre.  

The hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolising the Hand of God, and is traditionally recognised in many cultures as a sign of protection.  

It is also seen in some religions as a symbol of health, happiness, peace, and prosperity. 

Meghan was spotted previously wearing the dainty ring during a visit to the Royal Variety Charity’s nursing home in Twickenham in December of last year.  

Meghan also donned the ring during a visit to Twickenham in December 2018 while pregnant with baby Archie

Meghan has long favoured dainty gold jewellery and donned a series of delicate rings on her other fingers. 

She appears to be wearing several of the delicate £38 14 karat NYC rings by Catbird on her other fingers in the picture shared today. 

The threadbare rings are a favourite of Meghan’s and she has regularly worn it since 2015. 

The royal couple travelled to Botswana months before announcing their engagement in 2017, with the trip being described as ‘crucial’ in allowing them to grow their bond.