Meghan Markle's growing baby bump steals the show during surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards

A glowing, pregnant Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance Monday night at the British Fashion Awards to honor the designer of her wedding gown during the British fashion industry's big night.

The Duchess of Sussex presented the British Designer of the Year Womenswear Award to Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of the fashion label Givenchy, at the Royal Albert Hall in London Monday, where she made an unannounced appearance during the awards show.

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While her growing baby belly stole the spotlight, Meghan's fashion ensemble also turned heads.

She donned a black one-shoulder Givenchy velvet gown and had her hair pulled back in a sleek low bun for the occasion. The duchess also rocked gold bangles and bold, dark nail polish -- which many were quick to point out on social media breaks with royal tradition.

"As all of you in this room know, we have a deep connection to what we wear, sometimes it's very personal and sometimes it's emotional," she said during remarks before presenting the award.

"But for me this connection is rooted in really being able to understand that it's about supporting and empowering each other, especially as women," Meghan added.

Waight Keller gave the duchess a hug as she accepted the award, then told the audience she had to "take a moment" because she was so "shocked."

She also thanked Markle during her speech, saying, "this woman is so amazing."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: A life in photos

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The Sussexes' 10-day tour of South Africa began on Sept. 23, 2019, and marks their first royal tour as a family of three. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor made his first appearance on the trip with his parents in South Africa. <br><br> Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, holds her son Archie while meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa, Sept. 25, 2019.

Rex via Shutterstock

"I've gotten to know Meghan on such a personal level, and you know, to have someone like that trust you in an incredible moment in their life, is something that is just the most unbelievable honor," Waight Keller said.

Millions around the globe tuned in to watch Meghan tie the knot with Prince Harry last May, where she donned Waight Keller's custom gown, made out of triple silk organza, featured an open bateau neckline with three-quarter-length sleeves.