Advertisement

'I'm always proud of Harry' says Meghan, as she attends veterans gala in poppy-red dress

Watch: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at veterans gala in NYC

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had a tough week, with an ongoing privacy court case currently rocked by the news that Meghan may have forgotten key facts. Harry also spoke out against press intrusion and 'misogyny' directed at his wife.

But their troubles were set aside on Wednesday night, as the couple were the star guests at the Salute to Freedom gala celebrating Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in Britain. The event took place at the Intrepid Museum in New York City, and honoured the work of the military.

While on their last trip to New York in September, the couple dressed for business, on this occasion, they pulled out all the sartorial stops.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on November 10, 2021 in New York City.  (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan attend the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala. (Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10:  Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on November 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
The couple posed for cameras, looking happy to be out and about. (Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on November 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Meghan's dress is by Carolina Herrara, made from scarlet satin. (Getty Images)

Harry wore black tie and military insignia, including the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Neck Order and star. But all eyes were on Meghan, who wore a scarlet satin dress with a boned, low-cut neckline that showed off her cleavage, a thigh-split, and a full train.

Read more: Meghan Markle Sports a Poppy Pin for a Conversation About Paid Family Leave

The show-stopping frock was by the House of Carolina Herrera, a favourite of the duchess.

She also wore a bespoke dress by the designer for her pregnancy photo shoot with Harry, as she lay on his lap beneath a tree, and a poppy-print Carolina Herrera tie-waist shirt-dress for her first Vax Live appearance in May.

She has favoured the designer for several years, wearing a periwinkle-blue maxi-gown on her trip to Morocco with Harry in in 2019, when she was pregnant with Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave the residence of the the King of Morocco in Rabat, following an audience with him, on the third day of their tour of Morocco.
Meghan wore Carolina Herrera to meet the King of Morocco in Rabat. (AP)

At last night's gala event, the duchess also wore red satin stiletto heels by Giuseppe Zanotti with crystal buckles, Maison Birks earrings, and a £5,000 Cartier 'love' bracelet.

Harry owns a matching bracelet, described by the society jeweller as a piece that "serves to seal love that transgresses convention.

"The stark screws, ideal oval shape and undeniable elegance establish the piece as a timeless tribute to passionate romance."

Watch: Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace official trailer

It comes with a screwdriver to attach to your other half's wrist, as a permanent symbol of commitment.

She also wore Princess Diana's Cartier diamond tennis bracelet, a gift from Harry.

As the couple moved along the red carpet hand in hand, Meghan was asked if she was proud of Harry.

"I'm always proud of him," she replied.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala at Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on November 10, 2021 in New York City.  (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
The dress had a halter back and a back-bow topping the sweeping train. (Getty Images)

Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, largely in Afghanistan, and was treated as 'a normal soldier'.

According to the authors of Finding Freedom, the biography of the couple with explores their decision to leave their 'working royal' roles, he felt adrift when he left the army, until he met Meghan and regained his sense of purpose.

He also launched the much-praised Invictus Games, which encourages injured military personnel to challenge themselves in sports.

Read more: Robert Rinder slams Prince Harry over latest interview in 'GMB' hosting debut

At Wednesday night's event, the Prince bestowed medals on veterans and military families living with the 'invisible wounds of war'.

Harry said in his speech: "I’ve lived in the US for close to two years now. I have to say, witnessing your support for all those that put themselves in harm’s way in defence of our freedoms and liberties – it’s remarkable and hugely respected."

Harry also joked that he is "living the American dream".

Watch: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex apologises to court