Meghan Markle Shares Behind-the-Scenes Footage from Solo Night Out at Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala
- - Meghan Markle Shares Behind-the-Scenes Footage from Solo Night Out at Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala
Janine Henni, Abby SternFebruary 9, 2026 at 10:11 PM
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Meghan Markle at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios on Feb. 7, 2026 in Los Angeles
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Meghan Markle is giving a glimpse into her night out at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, had a solo night out supporting the event on Feb. 7
Meghan posed for photos with Emma Grede and posted video of honoree Tina Knowles accepting the Trailblazer Award
Meghan Markle is giving a peek behind the scenes of her solo night out at a fundraising gala in Los Angeles.
On Feb. 8, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, posted videos from her Saturday night out at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala to her Instagram Stories.
The Feb. 7 bash was the annual fundraiser for the Fifteen Percent Pledge, the nonprofit founded by fashion designer Aurora James to advance equity for Black-owned businesses, and held as part of the 15th Street Block Party Weekend at Paramount Studios in L.A.
Meghan attended the event without her husband, Prince Harry, and her Instagram Stories began with footage of her walking on the street, set to the song "C'est si bon" by Eartha Kitt.
Meghan Markle's Instagram Stories.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram
The Duchess of Sussex channeled classic Hollywood style in a bespoke oyster gown by Harbison Studio, a Black-owned brand. The strapless gown featured a sweetheart neckline with black piping, and Meghan wore a black shawl, which trailed into a train, over her arms.
Meghan's Stories rolled to show her posing for photos at the gala's step and repeat and having a laugh with Emma Grede. Fashion entrepreneur Grede is the chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge and had Meghan on a June 2025 episode of her Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, where they spoke about motherhood, entrepreneurship and life in the public eye.
Meghan Markle's Instagram Stories.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram
From inside, Meghan posted a clip of Kelly Rowland introducing and welcoming the evening's honoree, Tina Knowles, to the stage, plus her remarks.
Beyoncé's mother, 72, is a friend of Meghan's, and the business mogul joined the Duchess of Sussex's podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, in June.
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During her acceptance speech for the Trailblazer Award, Knowles opened up about what the recognition meant to her.
Kelly Rowland and Tina Knowles in Meghan Markle's Instagram Stories.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram
"I want to thank Aurora James for starting this organization and for honoring me. And I also want to thank each and every one of you in the audience who has had the courage to persevere and to put your heart and soul into your business. It is not an easy task," she said, in part.
"You have to have tenacity and drive and be a self-starter. And I know how it feels to be one day the CEO, but the next day, the delivery person, and sometimes the cleaning crew. It takes a very special kind of person to do this. Looking out at this audience, I also want to thank you for making me a 72-year-old Black woman who's been where you are very proud. So thank you."
PEOPLE observed Meghan smiling and chatting with fellow attendees at the event, and her Instagram Stories included footage of her mingling with a fellow guest and a photo from the step and repeat.
Meghan Markle's Instagram Stories.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram
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In March 2025, the Duchess of Sussex became a business owner by launching her As ever lifestyle line as a curated collection of shelf-stable food products including jams, teas, baking mixes and flower sprinkles. It has since expanded to include wines, candles, chocolate collaborations and more.
Exclusively speaking to PEOPLE in 2025 about her As ever venture, she said, "I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder, and if the brand ends up influential, then that’s great."
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