Meghan Markle breaks royal protocol as she's reunited with wedding dress designer

Meghan Markle, 37, surprised guests and celebrities at the British Fashion Awards  on Monday night by appearing on stage to honour Clare Waight Keller, 48, the artistic director of Givenchy, with an award. Clare designed Meghan’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Harry, 34, in May at Windsor Castle. And on Monday the two women were reunited, with Meghan opting for Givenchy once again for the special occasion in a bespoke design. The Duchess of Sussex’s black, off-shoulder gown graced her blossoming baby bump and fell well below her sky high heels.

The chic gown displayed the mum-to-be’s pregnancy, as she proudly stood with her hands over her stomach.

Letting the incredible dress take centre stage, Meghan scraped her dark locks back into a neat bun and wore her hair in a middle parting.

She accessorised with chunky gold bangles and a pair of black stud earrings to match her stylish gown.

As she graced the stage, Meghan showed off gold stiletto heels which dazzled from beneath her floor-length ensemble.

The heels, which are appropriately named Karat, were by Tamara Mellon and cost a staggering £440.

Although the Duchess looked as radiant as ever, she did in fact break royal protocol at the prestigious event, by wearing dark nail polish on her hands.

Royal women tend to opt for a subtle nude shade, with Essie’s Ballet Slippers said to be the only colour Queen Elizabeth II approves of.

But last night Meghan opted for a daring dark colour to match her elegant gown.

The Duchess wore a dark black colour to perfectly co-ordinate with her outfit, displaying the neat manicure as she presented the Givenchy designer’s award.

Completing her effortless look, Meghan had a dewy glow across her cheekbones and a dash of rouge to brighten her glamorous get-up.

Looking as natural as always, the wife of Prince Harry chose a nude pink lipstick.

As she sweetly cradled her baby bump, the former Suits actress told the audience: “It is such an honour to be here celebrating British fashion and British fashion designers in my new home of the UK.

“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.

“But for me, this connection is rooted in really being able to understand that it’s about supporting and empowering each other, especially as women.”

In her acceptance speech Ms Keller, who became close to the Duchess after designing her wedding dress, had nothing but praising words for Meghan.

The designer told the invites at the Royal Albert Hall: “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.”

Meghan got everyone talking about her Givenchy wedding dress when she married Prince Harry in May at Windsor Castle.

The gown featured a 16-foot veil embroidered with flowers to represent all the countries in the commonwealth.