Whenever Meghan Markle and Prince Harry make a joint appearance (not to mention their first ever at an awards show), they go all out.
At least, that was the case when the pair attended the NAACP Image Awards on February 26 where they accepted the President’s Award for their ongoing commitment to public service.
The prestigious prize isn’t delivered lightly, past recipients have included Muhammad Ali and Rihanna—so it was only fitting that they celebrated it in style, and with those they hold close.
As they stepped out on-stage, Meghan looked stunning in a dress by American designer Christopher John Rogers, featuring two tones of sapphire and aqua blue.
Meanwhile Harry wore a full suit by British designer, Ozwald Boateng—their outfits clearly a subtle nod to their home countries.
But it was the company they brought along that rounded the whole thing off nicely—Meghan brought along her mother, Doria Ragland, who joined them for a photo opp on-stage.
This is the first time we’ve seen Meghan and her mother Doria in public together in years. Their last memorable public-facing appearance occurred in September 2018 when Doria attended a launch for the charity cookbook her daughter launched with women affected by London’s Grenfell Tower tragedy.
On that occasion, Meghan also wore blue—a full circle moment to today, if you will.
Harry and Meghan took the opportunity during their award acceptance speech to share a message for the people in Ukraine: “Before I begin, we would like to acknowledge the people of Ukraine, who urgently need our continued support as a global community,” Harry said as they stepped up to the mic.
He added: “I also echo the immense gratitude for tonight, both for this award and this community for welcoming me so warmly. I think it’s safe to say that I come from a very different background from my incredible wife, yet our lives were brought together for a reason.
“We share a commitment to a life of service, a responsibility to combat injustice and a belief that the most often overlooked are the most important to listen to.”
Meghan then referenced their work in the Black Lives Matter movement, which was a huge part of why they were recognised for this award.
“And I couldn’t be prouder that we’re doing this work together. We moved to California, my home state, shortly before the murder of George Floyd,” she said of the traumatic 2020 moment that triggered mass involvement in the movement.
“For Black America, those nine minutes and 29 seconds transcended time, invoking centuries of our unhealed wounds. In the months that followed, as my husband and I spoke with the civil rights community, we committed ourselves and our organisation, Archewell, to illuminating those who are advancing racial justice and progress.”
