Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first award show appearance of the year tonight at the NAACP Image Awards, and they wore true statement looks to mark their receiving the
President’s Award at the ceremony. Harry wore a classic black Ozwald Boateng suit, while Meghan took the sartorial spotlight in blue two-tone Christopher John Rogers dress with a high leg slit. She wore her hair down in waves. Both chose to wear Black designers.
The couple spoke in their speech about their commitment to “illuminating those who are advancing racial justice and progress” through their work and their organization Archewell's. Hear their full remarks below:
Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex won the prestigious President's Award. The President's Award is presented in recognition of distinguished public service. #NAACPImageAwards ?? pic.twitter.com/BNO5VMnlo4
— best of prince harry (@harrysussex_) February 27, 2022
Way to go Harry & Meghan @naacpimageaward President's Award recipients ????
Awww Meghan said her mom Doria was there w/them ?❤
Well deserved, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, the Duke & Dutchess of Sussex - Part 2/2#NAACPImageAwards#PrinceHarry#MeghanMarkle#HarryandMeghanpic.twitter.com/a6f4qdJoYP
— WearAMask?-I♥️DC Queens CandiceKP & IrisWestAllen (@KnowledgIsPowa) February 27, 2022
The NAACP Image Awards' President’s Award is a high honor in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Past winners include Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, LeBron James, and Rihanna.
In a statement announcing Meghan and Harry receiving the award, Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said, “We’re thrilled to present this award to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who together have heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity both in the US and around the world. Not only do they continue to lead by example, The Duke and Duchess have also decided to inspire the next generation of activists through the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, ensuring the support and recognition of generations of civil rights leaders to come.”
Meghan and Harry's appearance comes after the couple was photographed earlier this month at dinner in Santa Barbara with Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank. It was a rare public outing for the couple, who has lived a very private, low-key life with their two children Lili and Archie in Montecito, California, since stepping back from their senior royal family roles two years ago.