Meghan Markle stuns in “Jackie O” dress
Last night, Meghan Markle shined in the spotlight as she attended a Commonwealth women’s empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society with Prince Harry.
The bride-to-be wore a “Jackie O” dress from Black Halo, which is inspired by the iconic First Lady. She paired the classic dress with a pair of 18kt white gold and diamond earrings from Canadian jeweller Birks.
According to Black Halo’s founder Laurel Berman, the Jackie O dress is a “modern classic designed to make women feel 2in taller and 5lbs thinner”.
Meghan opted for a natural makeup look and wore her hair in a low bun.
Prince Harry and Meghan mingled with guests at the reception, which was hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson as part of this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Prince Harry, Ms. Markle and the Foreign Secretary meet guests from organisations who are supporting the aim to provide quality education to girls across the Commonwealth. #CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/4hvUnzdEaL
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 19, 2018
The engaged couple will also meet representatives from charities and organisations that work to promote global gender equality through girls’ education – a cause which Meghan has previously voiced her passion for.
The organisations they will speak to include the Malala Fund, Plan International, the Varkey Foundation and Code Camp.
Royal experts have highlighted that it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be so involved in high profile occasions such as the CHOGM summit this week.
However, the Queen has said that she sees Harry and Meghan as key players who will continue her work in the Commonwealth.
Meghan, who walked away from her acting career to dedicate her time to royal duties, has worked with the UN as a women’s advocate for Political Participation and Leadership. She has also completed several humanitarian missions.
At the reception, the couple encouraged the work of young activists who are campaigning to improve the education rights of girls around the world.
Speaking to a group of girls and young women who are advocating for the right of girls to 12 years of free education, Prince Harry said, “What you are doing is absolutely amazing.”
Nigerian activist Kiki James, who is working with the Malala Fund, said, “He said we are moving with the tide, moving in the right direction.”
Peace, a 15-year-old from Nigeria who spoke at the summit earlier this week, said, “I told Meghan she was pretty, which she is. She said she watched me give my speech. She said she was really impressed, and that that is what she wants girls to do.”
At tonight’s reception, Mr Johnson launched his Platform for Girls Education initiative, which will work to see that every girl gets 12 years of “quality education and learning”.
The initiative will involve 12 influential figures from across the Commonwealth campaigning for girls’ education and working to keep countries accountable.
Meghan has previously expressed her desire to “hit the ground running” with her official duties after she marries Prince Harry on May 19.