On Monday, Dec. 10, the Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards to present an award to Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller, the designer of her wedding gown. Wearing (what else?) a one-shouldered black velvet Givenchy gown, Meghan noted she was happy to be celebrating British fashion in her “new home,” and stated in her remarks:
“We have a deep connection to what we wear. Sometimes it’s deeply personal, sometimes it’s emotional […] Really in being able to understand that it’s about supporting and empowering each other, especially as women.”
For her part, Waight Keller said to the crowd:
“This woman is so amazing. I got to know Meghan on such a personal level. To have someone like that trust you on such a personal moment in their life… I can’t thank you enough because it was the most beautiful moment.”
Really, the event offered up any number of striking – and stunning – images of Meghan on stage in the spotlight.
Beyond those, what’s really remarkable about this evening is the glam factor – a thing not usually associated with the British Royal Family. At least not in a long while. While the Duchess of Cambridge – and other royals here and there – have attended awards shows in the past, it’s hard to imagine Kate turning up to an evening like this on her own. Particularly when it’s not associated with a patronage. And certainly not back in 2011 or 2012.
And I say that not to hold up a comparison between the two women, but rather to underline that Meghan is in fact doing things just a tad differently as she embarks on her Windsor life. Her comfort level with and inclusion in the more high fashion, entertainment-driven aspect of her celebrity is unique to her within the RF, whose members are more prone to ignore it or be alternately embarrassed or irritated by it.
Now that the newness of her and the first wash of excitement surrounding the engagement and wedding are over, we’re beginning to see some points of tension emerge. I would imagine those pain points probably have about another year of legs to them before things settle down – all thoughts to be more fully fleshed out in a later post on Meghan’s first year as an HRH.