Meghan Markle stole the spotlight at the annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala, stepping out solo in a stunning pink strapless dress with an extravagant black velvet train. The Duchess of Sussex made a striking appearance on the Los Angeles red carpet, seamlessly matching the gown’s dramatic sleeves with her earrings, shoes, and the sweetheart neckline. Adorned with dazzling jewelry, Meghan exuded an air of ease and confidence as she honored Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, for her leadership and dedication to empowering Black communities. Her figure-flattering ensemble, a custom creation by Charles Harbison of the New York-based Harbison Studio, left a lasting impression.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge, founded by Canadian creative director Aurora James, aims to foster sustainable and thriving networks for Black-owned businesses. The organization collaborates with businesses to promote equity and takes its name from the 15% of the U.S. population that is Black. This year’s gala, hosted by CNN anchor Abby Phillip, was part of the 15th Street Block Party Weekend at Paramount Studios. Social media buzzed with admiration for Meghan’s attire, with fans deeming the dress ‘perfection’ and ‘timeless.’ Supporters also emphasized the significance of prominent women endorsing Black-owned brands and designers. One user expressed their joy in seeing Meghan at the event, celebrating its role in uniting Black women and praising the organization’s impactful work.

The star-studded event also drew luminaries like supermodel Winnie Harlow, singer Chloe Bailey, and celebrity stylist Law Roach. Held in honor of Black History Month, the gala celebrated the contributions and achievements of the Black community in America. Meghan shared the red carpet with British business mogul Emma Grede, known for her multi-billion dollar ventures with reality TV’s elite. The sight of Meghan and Emma together delighted fans, who admired their captivating presence. In a previous encounter, Grede lauded Meghan for her purposeful initiatives during a 90-minute podcast. During their conversation, Meghan shared her desire to rewrite her public narrative honestly, addressing a ‘lie’ that emerged eight years ago.

The Duchess also used the podcast to deny that her personal Instagram account, where she shares behind the scenes footage of family life, is a tool to promote her business – adding that she uses it for ‘authentic’ sharing such as her twerking video. Charles Harbison posted an Instagram story of him and Meghan inside the gala hugging, chatting and holding hands. In the video that shows the back of the designer, drawing attention to the dress, Meghan seems jubilant. The clip is captioned: ‘Me and the duchess in @harbison.studio.’ The event follows the charity’s fourth annual gala last weekend, attended by the likes of Kelly Rowland and Kim Kardashian. Rowland wowed the crowd in a daring hooded yellow gown with a sexy chest cutout that flashed her cleavage. Kim Kardashian commanded attention in a gorgeous black reptile-textured gown that hugged her famous curves.

The sleek halter-neck design featured sheer mesh paneling, adding an edgy touch to the 43-year-old SKIMS founder’s look. Despite attending the evening solo, Meghan recently shared a clip to Instagram – surprising Prince Harry with one of her As Ever chocolate bars before Valentine’s Day. The Duke of Sussex had a grin ear-to-ear as his wife sauntered over with a box of the treats, which she first released last year. In the clip, Meghan approaches Harry and hands over the chocolate – to which the Prince says ‘Oh’ before turning his response into an ‘Oo£oh’ and picking out a bar. A beaming Harry looks at the camera – holding up the bar – and says ‘yes please’ and proceeds to hand back the box. He then says ‘love you’, with a cheeky smile still on his face. The bars of chocolate – which sold out within minutes following their initial release- use Meghan’s ‘signature ingredients’ from her As Ever brand such as raspberry spread and flower sprinkles, to ‘spark a little sweet nostalgia’.