Meghan Markle giggles in awkward moment as co-presenter struggles to open envelope
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Meghan Markle overcame minor technical issues to present a solider with an award for overcoming PTSD after he fought in several conflicts.
Ms Markle and her husband-to-be Prince Harry were both at the Endeavour Fund Awards at Goldsmiths' City Hall this evening.
The actress, who wore a glamorous black Alexander McQueen Suit, presented the second award - the "Celebrating Excellence" award.
She said: "I'm truly privileged to be here."
But there were giggles from guests in the room, including Prince Harry, as former winner Neil Heritage struggled with the envelope containing the names of the nominees.
Ms Markle smiled and laughed like a consummate professional as she helped her co-presenter and the ceremony got back on track.
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The award was won by Daniel Claricoats, from Plymouth.
He was previously awarded the Military Cross after multiple tours in Afghanistan, which led to a very complex PTSD.
The disorder did not stop him from climbing to the summits of the highest mountains in both Africa and Antarctica with the organisation 65 Degrees North.
"I don't really feel deserving," he said, after accepting the award.
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Since they announced their engagement at the end of November, the couple, who will marry at Windsor Castle on May 19 , have embarked on a number of royal engagements designed to introduce Los Angeles-born Ms Markle to royal life.
Taking in London, Nottingham and Cardiff, Ms Markle has won over the crowds with her easy charm and innate sense of style, but has been offered little chance for true Hollywood glamour.
Tonight’s event at the historic Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London - the first evening engagement they have attended together - rectified that.
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The Endeavour Fund is supported by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry – which Ms Markle will add her name to after her marriage.
Prince Harry said to the attendees: "You guys are truly awesome and society needs every single one of you, and it’s up to every single one of us in this room to provide those opportunities for you."
The fund encourages the ambitions of men and women to use challenges such as scuba diving, mountain climbing and dog sledging to help with their physical, psychological and social recovery and rehabilitation.
On the steps of Goldsmiths Hall they were greeted by General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the General Staff, Lorraine Heggessey, from the Royal Foundation, and David Wiseman, Head of Armed Forces for the Royal Foundation.
At a pre-ceremony reception Meghan and Harry met the inspiring nominees, as well as other Endeavour participants and key supporters of the fund.
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Ms Markle told one, Cornelia Oosthuizen, an army officer whose involvement in competitive sport was curtailed by illness but has since gone on to compete at Harry’s Invictus Games: “Wow, that’s amazing."
The couple also chatted at length with Joanna Worsley , widow of Henry Worsley, who tragically lost his life in January 2016 while attempting to cross the Antarctic landmass, solo and unsupported.
Henry, a career soldier and an experienced polar adventurer, undertook his incredible expedition in order to raise money for the Endeavour Fund and was just 30 miles from the finish when he lost his life.
The couple’s son, Max, said his mother had met Harry and his bride-to-be a few weeks ago when they met to decide the winner of an award in his name and memory.
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He said: “Mum liked her very much and said she had said how delighted she was to be involved with tonight’s event.
“Prince Harry has been incredibly supportive since my father passed away.
“I know he would be delighted to see what he has inspired and hopefully, thorough this award, will go on to inspire.”
After the pre-ceremony the couple will attend the awards ceremony, where, unusually, Ms Markle will be presenting awards in her own right.
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The Recognising Achievement Award - awarded to the individual who has best utilised their endeavour to promote and catalyse their recovery was won by Ben Lee.
The Celebrating Excellence Award - awarded to the individual who has endeavoured to achieve excellence in their chosen sport or adventure challenge was won by Daniel Claricoats.
The Henry Worsley Award is named after the late Henry Worsley, who tragically lost his life in January 2016 whilst attempting to cross the Antarctic landmass, solo and unsupported.
It was won by rifleman Sean Gane.
Henry, a career soldier and an experienced polar adventurer, undertook this incredible expedition in order to raise money for the Endeavour Fund and was just 30 miles from the finish when he lost his life.
The Awards were presented by the seasoned adventurer, explorer and Parachute Regiment veteran, Levison Wood, who was yesterday announced as The Endeavour Fund's first ambassador.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
The fund is a project led by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which aims to help servicemen and women through physical challenges.
More than two thousand injured or sick veterans have been helped by the Fund since its launch in 2012.
Meghan Markle will become a patron of the Royal Foundation after her marriage to Prince Harry on May 19.