Meghan Markle attended the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles on Feb. 7, 2026, in support of longtime friend Tina Knowles, who was one of the evening’s honorees. For Meghan, the night was less about spectacle and more about standing behind a woman she openly admires and has learned from.

Their connection is not new. Knowles previously appeared on Meghan’s podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder,” in June 2025, where the two spoke candidly about family, ambition, and navigating work alongside loved ones. During that conversation, Knowles reflected on working with her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, and shared advice that resonated deeply.

“There are difficulties sometimes, because if you’re dealing with your child or you’re dealing with your mother, you know, you have disagreements,” Knowles said on the podcast. Still, she made it clear that working with her daughters is “the best.” She also offered words Meghan has since echoed in her own advocacy: “I tell them every day …. ‘You belong anywhere you choose to be.’ ”

That message aligns closely with Meghan’s public focus on women, leadership, and confidence, particularly as a mother to Prince Archie, born in 2019, and Princess Lilibet, born in 2021. Knowles even discussed the idea of possibly working with children one day, planting a thoughtful seed rather than offering prescriptive advice.

The gala, held at Paramount Studios, celebrated women founders and leaders who are pushing for equity in business. Meghan attended solo, without Prince Harry, choosing instead to center the evening on friendship and shared values. The guest list reflected the event’s mix of culture and influence, with attendees including Chloe Bailey, Winnie Harlow, Kimora Lee Simmons, Ayra Starr, Jay Shetty, Jeanie Mai, and Emma Grede.

While the evening’s purpose was rooted in advocacy, Meghan’s appearance quickly drew attention for its classic, old-Hollywood elegance. According to PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex arrived at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in a custom white strapless gown by Harbison Studio. The design featured a black-trimmed sweetheart neckline and a black shawl that extended into a dramatic train, creating a striking contrast that felt both modern and timeless.

Meghan styled her hair in a sleek chignon and kept her accessories refined. She wore black and diamond drop earrings, a large black stone ring, and black Stuart Weitzman heels. The overall look was polished and deliberate, signaling confidence rather than excess. According to the publication, she appeared in good spirits throughout the evening, smiling and chatting with fellow attendees while seated at one of the front tables. A fan commented about the Duchess of Sussex:

“Looking divine ..go Meghan ❣️❣️❣️”

“Absolutely stunning,” another echoed. A third added:

“The Duchess of Sussex looks happy, healthy and beautiful 👑 ♥.”

“Totally breathtakingly gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” one said.

The gala took place at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles and honored Knowles for her work supporting women-owned businesses through the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Meghan was not accompanied by Prince Harry at the event, but her solo appearance felt purposeful.

The moment stood in contrast to her most recent public outing with Harry just weeks earlier at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. At Sundance, Meghan opted for a relaxed look, wearing a black sweater paired with black flared pants and matching heeled boots as the couple promoted their documentary, “Cookie Queens.”

Diana’s style

As soon as I saw this dress, I had a hunch I had seen something similar before. As a fashion and beauty editor who has been specialising in royal style for over eight years, plenty of styles remain etched in my mind. The late Princess Diana wore a similar frock back in 1991, albeit a little shorter than Meghan’s.

King Charles’s former wife was, at the time, patron of the British Youth Opera. As part of her work, she attended a rendition of ‘La Bohème’ at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London in the early ’90s.

Prince William and Harry’s mother donned a charming, knee-length dress by British-born Polish designer Tomasz Starzewski. As you can see, it was made in a very similar, blush pink hue with beige undertones, and also featured contrasting black inserts, particularly at the top of the off-the-shoulder neckline. Although it also showcased layered pleats, the colourway mirrors Meghan’s latest frock, and has a similar satin texture. At the time, Diana accessorised with a pair of Chanel gold-plated black enamel and pearl button earrings – a modern finish to her show-stopping look.