Defiant Duchess - Meghan Gives The Cold Shoulder

All the drama behind the dazzling display

Stepping into the spotlight at the glittering British Fashion Awards, the Duchess of Sussex oozed film-star glamour in a stunning figure-hugging velvet gown, showing off her baby bump and wowing the crowds with her surprise appearance.

While Meghan is known for her love of couture, her shock attendance was entirely unexpected – even for the organisers, who were reportedly told just moments before she arrived. But a close royal source tells Woman’s Day that the last-minute decision to attend was entirely Meghan’s own in a bold attempt to win back public favour after weeks of bad press.

“Meghan’s desperate to gain back her popularity and turn the tide of negative stories,” says the source. “Until now, she’s been diligently listening to palace aides and taking their advice on what to say and when, but now she’s decided to take matters into her own hands. She wants to start doing things her own way before her reputation is entirely in tatters.”

Indeed, her dramatic appearance – where she presented her Givenchy wedding dress creator Clare Waight Keller the Designer of the Year prize – certainly made headlines, which is exactly what she wanted, according to our source.

“Her plan was to go out there looking incredible and show off her beautiful baby bump. She is confident she knows more than many of the palace advisors when it comes to grabbing the spotlight and she wants to prove it. She’s very aware of her star power and how to use it.”