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THE Duchess of Sussex at a prestigious awards ceremony in Sydney last night in a beautiful black and white Oscar de la Renta Gown.
Prince Harry and Meghan were honored at the Australian Geographic Society's annual awards ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney CBD, hosted by journalist Ray Martin.
The awards started at 6pm but Harry and Meghan did not arrive until 8.15pm, due to flight from Tonga.
The pilot had to pull up several seconds from landing on the plane. After landing safely, the stars travel to their eveningwear.
Stunning … Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex presents the Young Conservationist of the Year award. Picture: Joel Carrett
That stunning dress.
For anyone looking for a copy of Meghan's look, the only option appears to be "contact a personal shopper" via the exclusive designer's website, though similar pieces by Oscar de la Renta retail for about $ 4800.
Prince Harry gives a passionate speech advocating for action on climate change.
It is called "the most valuable resource we have – our planet".
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex presents the Young Conservationist of the Year award to Sophia Skarparis at the Australian Geographic Society Awards, in Sydney.
The Duke of Sussex, his Royal Highnesses Prince Harry, presents Jade Hameister with Young Adventurer of the Year Award at the Australian Geographic Society Awards at Shangri-La Sydney. Picture: Dylan Robinson
Harry singled out coral bleaching of the "magnificent" Great Barrier Reef as an example of the damage caused to the environment.
"It's absolutely heartbreaking to see your natural treasures being changed forever," he said.
The Duke and Duchess both presented awards at the ceremony to the Young Adventurer of the Year and the Young Conservationist of the Year.
Sophia Skarparis, 15, won the Young Conservationist of the Year Award for her work campaigning to ban plastic bags. The petition she started gained 10,000 signatures and was sent to the NSW state parliament. Sophia told news.com.au Meghan said she was an "inspiration".
"She congratulated me and told me," Sophia said.
The Duke of Sussex, his Royal Highnesses Prince Harry, spoke of environmental dangers at the Shangri-La Sydney. Picture: Dylan Robinson
The Duke and Dutchess of Sussex, their Royal Highnesses Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, arrive at the Australian Geographic Society Awards at Shangri-La Sydney. Picture: Dylan Robinson
During his introductory speech Martin warned not to approach the king during the ceremony and allow the couple to enjoy their evening.
"They're not the Kardashians," Martin said. "We do not want to be bogans.
Guests were also required to go to an airport-style security check prior to entering the Shangri-La's main ballroom.
The royals received a standing ovation when they entered the Shangri-La's grand ballroom.
The awards are Australia's longest running awards for adventure and conservation, and Prince Harry has a personal connection to the prestigious event.
As well as being hugely passionate about the environment and conservation – Harry is the president of wildlife conservation group African Parks – in 2013 he accompanied two Australian soldiers to the South Pole, both of whom were later recognized by the Society's Spirit of Adventure award.
Tonight Prince Harry will present his grandmother the Queen with a special award for outstanding contribution to global conservation for the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project.
The special award has been created especially for the Queen and Prince Harry will accept it on her behalf tonight.
The Duke and Duchess had a quick change in their eveningwear after flying back to Sydney from Tonga.
Meghan changed out of her $ 840 blue dress from Veronica Beard for the couple's final activities in Tonga this morning.
Meghan talks with students during a visit to Tupou College in Tonga on day 11 of their 16-day tour of Australia and the South Pacific. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth / Pool / Getty Images
Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth / Pool / Getty Images
Tonight is the third black tie event of the couple during their jam-packed tour schedule.
Meghan wore a floor-length, white gown with silver beaded embellishments by the evening of the label Theia for a special evening reception during her first night in Tonga yesterday.
The designer Don O'Neill revealed some last-minute alterations were made to the white dress, just two weeks before the royal couple announced their pregnancy on October 15.
Prince Harry and Meghan arrives at a state dinner in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Picture: Paul Edwards – Pool / Getty Images
Mr O'Neill said Meghan "loved" the dress but requested it "extra seam allowance".
"We knew immediately why this extra allowance was required, but Mum's the word," the designer told Daily Mail.
Meghan's growing baby bump. Picture: Paul Edwards / Pool / Getty Images
Earlier yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Tupou College in Tonga to unveil part of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project, where Harry had praised the nation for "leading by example."
The QCC provides a network of forest conservation programs throughout the 53 countries of the Commonwealth. So far, 42 countries have committed to 90 projects covering 7.85 million hectares of native forests.
Prince Harry will also present two youth awards this evening, honoring the Young Adventurer of the Year and the Young Conservationist of the Year.
The royals have just one weekend left in Australia before they head to New Zealand for the last leg of their tour.
This evening, Prince Harry and Meghan will be waiting for the Invictus Games Final Wheelchair Basketball and the Closing Ceremony, before flying out of Sydney on Sunday.
AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AWARD WINNERS
Lifetime of Adventure Award: Syd Kirby AO
Lifetime Conservation Award: Atticus Flemin
Conservationist of the Year: Numbat Task Force – Robert Mclean and John Dawson
Adventurer of the Year: Steve Plain
Young Adventurer of the Year: Jade Hameister
Young Conservationist of the Year: Sophia Skarparis
Spirit of Adventure: Paul Pritchard
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