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Prince Harry joins Meghan Markle in New York as she accepts incredible honor in glittering gold dress

The Duchess of Sussex was honored with the Woman of Vision Award

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevi
Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
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Prince Harry surprised royal onlookers on Tuesday when he joined his wife the Duchess of Sussex at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards where she was honored with the Woman of Vision Award. Meghan's mom Doria Ragland also joined the couple for the celebrations.

Meghan looked gorgeous in a slinky, and strapless, gold mididress by Johanna Ortiz, that featured a scallop design and an exposed zipper in the back, as well as discreet cut-out detailing on the torso.

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards© Kevin Mazur
Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards

The striking look was paired with Bronze Metallic Lizard-Print Lock High-Heel Sandals by Tom Ford, ($1350) and she accessorized with a Carolina Herrara Metropolitan Insignia’ Small Box Bag in Yellow ($1420). 

Meghan styled her raven locks in curls over one shoulder, and her radiant beauty shone through as she kept her make-up neutral and classic, with a bronzed glow and a nude lip. The mother-of-two frosted herself with a Cartier 'Love’ Yellow Gold Bracelet.

Proud mom Doria kept it simple in a black V-neck dress with flared sleeves, while Harry rocked a suit and tie.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, at the Women of Vision Awards
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, was honored at the event

The evening was presided over by legendary activist, journalist and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who is also a co-founder of Ms Foundation. 

The pair previously teamed up for a conversation with Jessica Yellin in 2022, two days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, to speak about the seismic event, and in 2020 where they discussed the importance of voting ahead of the US election.

"Because of this foundation, so many of our youth have been instilled with self-worth and limitless possibility no matter their race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability or age. Your collective work in pursuit of a world where every person is truly valued is nothing short of awe inspiring," said Meghan during her speech.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevi© Kevin Mazur

Teresa C. Younger, the Ms. Foundation president and CEO, said in her introduction speech for Meghan: “Her core belief that representation matters, and her connection to community through the lens of learning, healing, and inspiring have helped define her as a cultural catalyst for positive change. 

"Tonight we are thrilled to recognize Meghan’s strength, resilience, passion and tenacity, which is critical to building a better world for our mothers and grandmothers, our children and their children, and ourselves.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Doria Ragland and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, are seen arriving to the "Woman Of Vision Awards" on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)© Raymond Hall
Meghan arriving with Harry

In a biography on the Ms. Foundation's website, Meghan is described as "a feminist, champion of human rights and gender equity, and global role model".

It adds: "Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread she weaves through both humanitarian and business ventures". The award honors her work in "global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls."  

Also named among the Women of Vision honorees were LaTosha Brown,  co-founder of Black Voters Matter; Wanda Irving, co-founder of Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project and Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity.

Abortion rights activist Olivia Julianne and LGBTQ+ advocate Rebekah Bruesehoff are also among the winners.

"This is a celebration of a time in which it is so much better. That one day in the future, we won’t need gender and race and class focused foundations because we will all be together, and individual, and without adjectives," Gloria said on the night.

Prince Harry beaming at Princess Anne at the coronation© Getty
Prince Harry at the coronation

The Duchess' appearance comes just days after she celebrated her son Prince Archie's fourth birthday in the family's Montecito, Calif. home on 6 May. The day coincided with King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation, with Prince Harry making a swift return to the US after attending the service in London.

The awards ceremony is one of Meghan's very few public appearances of 2023, with the Duchess keeping a noticeably low profile.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watched the Los Angeles Lakers play the Memphis Grizzlies at the Crypto.com in Los Angeles© Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watched the Los Angeles Lakers play the Memphis Grizzlies at the Crypto.com in Los Angeles

The Sussexes enjoyed a date night at a Lakers game last month, with Meghan opting for a chic pink co-ord set.

Their sweet date night at a basketball game

She also appeared in a video message to introduce her friend and photographer, Misan Harriman, at his Ted Talk in April.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry watching an NBA game© Getty Images
The Duchess of Sussex looked gorgeous in a pink suit
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry cheering during an NBA game© Getty Images
The couple cheered and clapped during the game

It was also announced last month that Meghan will be represented by super agent Ari Emanuel of WME. Various departments within the agency,  including film and television production and brand partnerships, will head up the mom-of-two's business and creative ventures.

WME will also represent Archewell’s content banner, which includes her Spotify podcast, Archetypes, and under which the global icon has been advocating for women, mothers and girls.

Meghan will be represented by legendary agent Ari Emanuel alongside agents Brad Slater and Jill Smoller; Jill is Serena Williams' longtime agent.

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