Meghan Markle made a rare and striking red carpet appearance at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles on February 7, stepping out solo to honor Tina Knowles. The glamorous evening at Paramount Studios celebrated the nonprofit’s mission to advance economic equity by urging major retailers to dedicate 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

Tina Knowles, the acclaimed businesswoman, designer, and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her decades-long advocacy for Black women, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community empowerment—from her early days running a hair salon in Texas to designing iconic costumes for Destiny’s Child and penning her bestselling memoir.

The Duchess of Sussex, attending without Prince Harry, turned heads on the mint-green carpet in a custom strapless oyster-colored gown by Harbison Studio, featuring a sweetheart neckline accented with elegant black piping and a sleek column silhouette that evoked timeless Old Hollywood glamour. She layered the look with a dramatic black velvet-and-silk shawl that cascaded into a flowing train, adding theatrical flair while aligning with the event’s “Black tie, Black designer” dress code.

Completing the ensemble were strappy black Stuart Weitzman sandals, vintage onyx-and-diamond drop earrings, and understated yet sophisticated makeup: fluttery lashes, a soft smoky eye, glossy pink-nude lips, and her hair swept into a chic chignon.

The gala, founded by designer Aurora James, kicked off Black History Month celebrations with a star-studded crowd including Kelly Rowland (who introduced and presented the award to Knowles), Emma Grede, Law Roach, Winnie Harlow, Chloe Bailey, Keke Palmer, Halle Bailey, and more. Attendees embraced bold fashion from Black designers, highlighting the nonprofit’s impact on supporting underrepresented businesses through networking, resources, and visibility.

Knowles, radiant in her own custom black column gown by Charles Harbison (complete with abstract buttons and opera gloves), delivered an emotional acceptance speech thanking James for the honor and praising the audience’s perseverance in building enterprises amid challenges. She emphasized the joy of mutual support, cheering one another on, and sharing resources while looking fabulous.

Meghan shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on her Instagram, posting clips of posing with Grede, laughing on the carpet, and capturing moments from Rowland’s introduction and Knowles’ heartfelt remarks. The appearance marked one of her infrequent solo public outings in recent years, underscoring her continued alignment with causes promoting diversity, equity, and empowerment—particularly those uplifting Black entrepreneurs and women in business.

Fans and fashion observers praised the look as a perfect blend of classic elegance and subtle statement-making, with many noting how it paid homage to pioneering Black designers like Zelda Wynn Valdes through its structured glamour and thoughtful choice of a rising L.A.-based label.

The event’s success highlighted the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s growing influence since its inception, as more brands commit to inclusive practices and economic justice. For Meghan, the night was both a show of support for a longtime friend and advocate in Knowles and a reminder of her dedication to meaningful philanthropy amid a busy personal and professional life. As photos and videos circulated online, the Duchess’s poised, glamorous presence added extra shine to an already inspiring evening dedicated to progress, perseverance, and celebration of Black excellence.

Meghan Markle made a rare and striking red carpet appearance at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles on February 7, stepping out solo to honor Tina Knowles. The glamorous evening at Paramount Studios celebrated the nonprofit’s mission to advance economic equity by urging major retailers to dedicate 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

Tina Knowles, the acclaimed businesswoman, designer, and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her decades-long advocacy for Black women, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community empowerment—from her early days running a hair salon in Texas to designing iconic costumes for Destiny’s Child and penning her bestselling memoir.

The Duchess of Sussex, attending without Prince Harry, turned heads on the mint-green carpet in a custom strapless oyster-colored gown by Harbison Studio, featuring a sweetheart neckline accented with elegant black piping and a sleek column silhouette that evoked timeless Old Hollywood glamour. She layered the look with a dramatic black velvet-and-silk shawl that cascaded into a flowing train, adding theatrical flair while aligning with the event’s “Black tie, Black designer” dress code.

Completing the ensemble were strappy black Stuart Weitzman sandals, vintage onyx-and-diamond drop earrings, and understated yet sophisticated makeup: fluttery lashes, a soft smoky eye, glossy pink-nude lips, and her hair swept into a chic chignon.

The gala, founded by designer Aurora James, kicked off Black History Month celebrations with a star-studded crowd including Kelly Rowland (who introduced and presented the award to Knowles), Emma Grede, Law Roach, Winnie Harlow, Chloe Bailey, Keke Palmer, Halle Bailey, and more. Attendees embraced bold fashion from Black designers, highlighting the nonprofit’s impact on supporting underrepresented businesses through networking, resources, and visibility.

Knowles, radiant in her own custom black column gown by Charles Harbison (complete with abstract buttons and opera gloves), delivered an emotional acceptance speech thanking James for the honor and praising the audience’s perseverance in building enterprises amid challenges. She emphasized the joy of mutual support, cheering one another on, and sharing resources while looking fabulous.

Meghan shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on her Instagram, posting clips of posing with Grede, laughing on the carpet, and capturing moments from Rowland’s introduction and Knowles’ heartfelt remarks. The appearance marked one of her infrequent solo public outings in recent years, underscoring her continued alignment with causes promoting diversity, equity, and empowerment—particularly those uplifting Black entrepreneurs and women in business.

Fans and fashion observers praised the look as a perfect blend of classic elegance and subtle statement-making, with many noting how it paid homage to pioneering Black designers like Zelda Wynn Valdes through its structured glamour and thoughtful choice of a rising L.A.-based label.

The event’s success highlighted the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s growing influence since its inception, as more brands commit to inclusive practices and economic justice. For Meghan, the night was both a show of support for a longtime friend and advocate in Knowles and a reminder of her dedication to meaningful philanthropy amid a busy personal and professional life. As photos and videos circulated online, the Duchess’s poised, glamorous presence added extra shine to an already inspiring evening dedicated to progress, perseverance, and celebration of Black excellence.