Meghan Markle at British Fashion Awards 2018: Duchess makes surprise appearance to present Clare Waight Keller with accolade

Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance on Monday night at the annual British Fashion Awards.

Meghan, 37, attended the event that celebrates the industry's most talented individuals to present Claire Waight Keller with the British Designer of the Year Womenswear Award.

The former actress was met with cheers as she took to the stage, saying to the audience: "It is such a pleasure to be here, celebrating British fashion and British fashion designers in my new home of the UK".

Keller became a household name back in May when Meghan walked up the steps of St George's Chapel wearing a sleek boat neck Givenchy gown by the designer to wed Prince Harry.

Since then, the duchess has continued to champion the female creative director's designs. During Meghan's first year as a royal, the French brand has been responsible for many of her high-profile outfits, from her first official solo outing with the Queen to evening dinners on her first royal tour.

There is no doubt that the designer has been behind the majority of Meghan's most memorable sartorial moments.

To present Keller with the prestigious award, Meghan wore a contemporary black one-shouldered evening dress - a bespoke design by Keller herself. The tight fitting sheath dress accentuated her growing baby bump, which she cradled while on stage.

She finished off the ultra modern look with a statement gold bangle and her hair swept up into her signature bun.