Meghan Markle was visibly overcome with emotion after a military veteran proposed to his girlfriend at the Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House in London last night.
The Duchess of Sussex, 38, looked teary-eyed as she cheered and applauded Danny Holland, 29, from the Welsh Guards, who popped the question to Lauren Price, 24.
Danny, from Wrexham in North Wales, had just won the Recognising Achievement award when, after an emotional speech, he paid tribute to Lauren and produced a ring.
Stunned Lauren was then led onto the stage where Danny got down on one knee – and she said yes.
Meghan Markle was visibly overcome with emotion after a military veteran proposed to his girlfriend at the Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House in London last night
There was an audible gasp from the audience, while Meghan – sitting just metres away on the front row sandwiched between her husband and Ross Kemp – grinned and clasped her hands together in the middle of her chest.
She and Harry vigorously applauded the couple, while the duchess turned to her husband and looked to say: ‘Oh my God!’
Meanwhile actor Ross, known for his tough guy image, could be seen wiping tears from his eyes at the sweet moment.
Grinning Harry began laughing delightedly as the happy couple embraced before leaving the stage.
When the awards ceremony host, a former soldier and friend of Harry’s, JJ Chalmers, returned to the stage, he joked: ‘Right, I’m checking, and that definitely wasn’t in my script!
The Duchess of Sussex, 38, looked teary-eyed as she cheered and applauded Danny Holland, 29, from the Welsh Guards, who popped the question to Lauren Price, 24
Danny, from Wrexham in North Wales, had just won the Recognising Achievement award when, after an emotional speech, he paid tribute to Lauren and produced a ring
Meghan – sitting just metres away on the front row sandwiched between her husband and Ross Kemp – grinned and clasped her hands together to applaud the couple
Ross Kemp also looked overcome with emotion as he and the duke and duchess cheered on Danny and Lauren
‘I mean, how do you follow that? I mean we might as well just go home, right? Bloomin’ eck.’
During JJ’s gags, Meghan appeared to turn around to chat to the people behind her, placing one hand on her husband’s chest and the other on her own.
Danny later admitted: ‘With winning (the award) as well, there was no better time to do it.
‘Although she always said she didn’t want it with a lot of other people around.’
Danny was left with mental health difficulties after being hit by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan and delivered an emotional award acceptance speech before proposing to Lauren
Danny later admitted there was ‘no better time’ to propose after winning the award – despite the fact Lauren had said she’d wanted that special moment to be private
The duchess grinned from ear to ear after the sweet moment, and she and Harry both later congratulated the couple in person
Speaking after the big moment, Lauren revealed they were both invited to speak to the duke and duchess privately after the ceremony finished.
She said: ‘They just congratulated us. They asked us how we felt and if I was expecting it. They said they were really happy for us.’
Danny was left with mental health difficulties after being hit by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
He is now a racing driver, supported by Mission Motorsport, and is working towards becoming an instructor to help others in their rehabilitation.
The Endeavour Fund supports service personnel keen to use challenges to help with their physical, psychological and social recovery and rehabilitation.
The annual awards, now in their fourth year, brings together hundreds of wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans as well as their families, friends and supporters of the military community.
All eyes were on Meghan last night, who has not been seen in this country since she and Harry made the dramatic announcement that they were quitting public life in early January, much to the distress of the Queen.
She looked stunning in a £950 turquoise gown by Victoria Beckham, and presented the Celebrating Excellence Award during the event.
Meghan and Harry put on a tactile display last night as they attended the Endeavour Fund Awards
In her speech, she said: ‘It’s very nice to be back. It’s the third year I’ve had the incredible fortune of joining my husband here. It’s just the most inspiring space.
‘When we were watching the [nomination] videos all the way in Canada we had the same moment of, “How are you going to choose?” Well, we’ve done our best.’
The evening event was the couple’s first joint official appearance since announcing their decision to step down as senior royals, which takes effect on March 31.
Harry, who has been made to give up his official patronages after deciding to move to Canada, is being allowed to retain his private links with organisations such as The Endeavour Fund, of which he is patron.
All eyes were on Meghan last night, who has not been seen in this country since she and Harry made the dramatic announcement that they were quitting public life in early January, much to the distress of the Queen
The Endeavour Fund helps servicemen and women have the opportunity to rediscover their self-belief and fighting spirit through physical challenges. Pictured: Meghan during the awards