Meghan Markle ditches traditional royal gown in favour of an Alexander McQueen suit for awards ceremony

The ‘Meghan Markle Effect’ just stepped up a notch, as the royal-in-waiting made her black tie debut at tonight’s Endeavour Fund Awards ceremony.

But to the fashion crowd’s surprise, the 36-year-old shunned the traditional evening gown in favour of a monochrome two-piece suit by Brit label Alexander McQueen.

Weighing in a cool £2,105 in total, the monochrome two-piece suit and pussy-bow blouse (by Tuxe Bodywear) certainly upped her sartorial status.

And despite the nation’s hopes, the former Suits actress failed to don a tiara, as a consequence to royal protocol. So for those hoping to catch a glimpse of a sparkly family heirloom, it seems we will have to wait until their May nuptials.

And it seems the royal-to-be sought a sartorial cue from the Duchess of Cambridge who also chose the British label for her red carpet debut back in 2011.

For her first post-nuptials awards appearance, the 36-year-old donned a lilac-hued gown by Sarah Burton and accessorised the look with chandelier-esque earrings borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II.

And tonight’s event is a momentous move for Harry and Meghan, as it is the first time the pair have attended an awards ceremony together.

Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, the prestigious evening celebrates the achievements of wounded veterans who have taken part in a number of sporting events over the past year.

In an effort to ‘rediscover their self-belief and fighting spirit through physical challenges’, the Endeavour Fund has offered advice and mentoring to over 950 servicemen and women since its launch back in 2012.

Prior to the awards ceremony, the newly-engaged couple met with this year’s nominees and supporters of the Endeavour Fund.

And it seems tonight is a training exercise for the royal-in-waiting, as Meghan will join the rest of the family as a patron of charity organisation, the Royal Foundation.

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