Meghan Markle dons a pricey $3,500 ensemble as she takes center stage in silk at star-studded SXSW panel – while flaunting her $180,000 engagement ring

Meghan Markle pulled out all of the style stops on Friday afternoon, when she took center stage at the SXSW festival in Austin wearing an elegant $2,000 silk ensemble – complete with plenty of pricey accessories. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, is known for her love of designer brands, expensive accessories and glittering jewels worth thousands of dollars.

And her love for fine fashion items was on full display as she took to the stage at SXSW – an annual festival that celebrates the convergence of technology, film, music, education and culture. 

In addition to her silky ensemble, Meghan was also seen flaunting her stunning diamond engagement ring, which is worth an estimated $180,000 – and which she has been without for several months, after it was reportedly sent in for a service to fix a loose stone. 

Megan Markle (pictured at SXSW tonight) is known for her love of pricey clothes and gems, and here is snapped in a $970 shirt and $1,050 both from Giuliva Heritage.

The mother-of-two kept her jewellery simple, with a pair of chunky gold hoops from Bottega Veneta, costing around $717, her standout piece

After not wearing it for months, Meghan sported what was believed to be her engagement ring on her third finger – which she was recently spotted wearing in Canada

For her main outfit, the former senior royal opted for a matching off-white silky oversized shirt, costing $970, and maxi-skirt priced at $1,050, both from Giuliva Heritage. 

She kept her jewellery fairly minimalist: on top of her eternity and engagement bands on her third finger, she simply opted for a pair of earrings.

The chunky gold hoops, from Bottega Veneta, cost around $717. While it’s not thought the Duchess has worn this particular pair before, she has worn several pairs from the same designer.

Finishing the outfit off, she opted for a pair of flat mules, which may have been the Valentino ‘Roman Stud’ mules, which she has been spotted in several times, and cost $717.  

She wore her long black tresses down, in very loose waves that were pushed to one side, and tumbled down her back.

Meghan finished the look with a natural make-up look, pairing a matte base with bronzer, pink blush, and a natural lip.

The Duchess was accompanied by Prince Harry, 39, as she made the visit to Austin for the event. The couple was reportedly spotted at exclusive members-only club Soho House Austin, on Thursday night.

Meghan, described by the festival as a ‘feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity and a New York Times bestselling author’, headlined the opening day keynote which falls on International Women’s Day. 

The session, titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen, was moderated by Errin Haines, host of The Amendment podcast.  

Meghan was a keynote speaker at the event, and was part of a panel with speakers including Brooke Shields

Ahead of her appearance on the panel, which also featured actor Brooke Shields and author Katie Couric, Meghan was described as a ‘visionary female leader’ by organisers in a press statement.

The former senior royal, whose appearance came on the opening day of the SXSW festival in Texas, was expected to discuss topics including ‘breaking barriers’ and ‘challenging stereotypes’ during the event.

The statement released by organisers said: ‘Women’s representation in media and entertainment has come a long way, but there’s still much to be done, especially for women of color and mothers.

The former senior royal (pictured) opted for a simple hair and make-up look, opting for a matte base with bronzer and pink blush, and a natural lip. She wore her long black tresses loose

Megan (pictured left and right) was described as a ‘visionary female leader’ in promotional material for the event

Panelists (pictured L-R) Errin Haines, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Katie Couric speak during the festival keynote

Husband Prince Harry (pictured, centre) and close friend Markus Anderson (pictured, left) were snapped applauding in the audience

‘Social media’s omnipresence has raised the stakes, creating an often dangerous environment which has led to serious mental health issues for teenage girls in particular.

‘On International Women’s Day, we’ll hear from visionary female leaders at the forefront of news, media, entertainment and philanthropy who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and working toward a healthier society on and off our screens.’

Meanwhile, Hugh Forrest, SXSW co-president and chief programming officer, said: ‘Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, Nancy Wang Yuen, and Errin Haines are the perfect finishing touch to eight days of remarkable Keynote Speakers.

‘We are so honoured to host this distinguished group on International Women’s Day for a significant discussion on the importance of representation in media and entertainment.’ 

Meghan’s appearance comes after she and Prince Harry took a trip to Vancouver, Canada, where Harry spoke with media about the upcoming Invictus Games next year