Meghan Markle at the 2018 British Fashion Awards

last updated 9 January 2019

Tonight is the 2018 British Fashion Awards in London, and Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance on stage to present the British Designer Womenswear award to her wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller. The most impactful fashion moment of the year was certainly when Meghan married Prince Harry in her Givenchy wedding dress with a sweeping veil in Windsor back in May, and she's continued to have a staggering impact on the British fashion industry in her time as a royal. So it's only fitting Meghan would play a role in the ceremony and celebrate the work of the designer who not only secured the commission of the year but is also dressing her for the most significant moments in her royal life.

On stage, Meghan talked about the power of fashion: "As all of you in this room know, we have a deep connection to what we wear. Sometimes it's very personal, and sometimes it's emotional. For me, this connection is rooted in being able to understand that it's about supporting and empowering each other, especially as women. When you choose to wear a certain designer, it's not just a reflection of their creativity and their vision, but also an extension of their values—of something in the fabric so to speak that is much more meaningful. I recently read an article that said the culture of fashion has shifted, from one where it was cool to be cruel, to now where it's cool to be kind.” Markle said of Waight Keller. "She has incredible kindness, which is why, when I met her 11 months ago, I knew we'd be working very close together."

Clare said when accepting her award: "I got to know Meghan on such a personal level and to have someone like that trust you in an incredible moment in their life is something that's just the most unbelievable honour, and I can't thank you enough." On stage, Meghan wore a sleek black velvet one-shoulder gown by Givenchy with a pair of on-trend gold strappy sandals by Tamara Mellon and a gold statement cuff by Pippa Small. Keep scrolling to see Meghan's surprise 2018 British Fashion Awards look.