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Beyonce and Jay Z show support for the Duchess of Sussex during Brits acceptance speech

Beyonce and her rapper husband Jay Z have accepted a Brit Award in front of a portrait of the Duchess of Sussex
Beyonce and her rapper husband Jay Z have accepted a Brit Award in front of a portrait of the Duchess of Sussex

Popstar Beyonce and her rapper husband Jay Z have accepted a Brit Award in front of a portrait of the Duchess of Sussex, as fans debate the meaning of their message.

The married couple, who won best international group at the 2019 Brit Awards under the name The Carters, appeared by video link in front of an image of the Duchess dressed as a queen.

The portrait is by illustrator Tim O'Brien, who has also created a regal portrait of Beyonce herself.

Elaborating on the image on Instagram, Beyonce said the picture was in honour of "Melanated Monas", understood to be a reference to the Duchess' biracial heritage and one of the world's most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa.

She wrote: " In honor of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas. Congrats on your pregnancy! We wish you so much joy. "

In an acceptance speech, Beyonce said: "Thank you so much to the Brit Awards for this incredible honour.

Beyonce posted on her Instagram
Beyonce posted on her Instagram

"You guys have always been so supportive.

"Everything is love. Thank you."

She later wrote about the decision on her own website, stating the couple were "pleased to honor Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex" and referencing her charity work.

"Meghan brought many Black traditions to her Royal Wedding including a Chicago-based Black pastor, an amazing gospel choir, and a young Black cellist," she wrote.

"At the wedding her culture was front and center, and she and Prince Harry have continued to push the race relations dialogue forward both near and far."

In a televised show, the couple turned slowly around to face a framed painting of the Duchess, wearing a tiara, necklaces and an off-the-shoulder dress in the manner of an historic portrait.

The scene, which was immediately shared on social media, immediately caused fans to debate its meaning and was widely interpreted as being a sign of support for the Duchess as a representative of the British Royal Family.

The Duchess herself was in New York at the time of the speech, enjoying a baby shower with friends.

She has previously made an appearance at the British Fashion Awards, appearing on stage to present a prize to the designer of her wedding dress.