The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dazzled on the red carpet last night as they stepped out to celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick military veterans who have taken on remarkable challenges. Harry and Meghan were at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London's Draper's Hall honouring those who, despite life-changing injuries, accidents or illnesses, have excelled in sporting and adventure pursuits. Meghan, 37, dressed her baby bump in almost head-to-toe Givenchy, pairing a crisp white shirt with a side-split skirt and box clutch by the designer, which she teamed with £530 Aquazzura 'Rendez Vous' pumps. The couple's appearance tonight comes after friends warned of the 'emotional trauma' Meghan is dealing with following her family's ongoing public feud and abusive comments made on social media. Five 'close friends' of the pregnant duchess told People this week that Meghan was so distraught with her father Thomas Markle's behaviour that she wrote to Thomas Markle begging him to stop 'victimising' her. 'I think she will always feel genuinely devastated by what he has done,' one friend told the magazine. Monochrome magic! Meghan and Harry arrives at tonight's Endeavour Fund Awards. The Duchess dressed her bump in a crisp white shirt tucked into a figure-hugging pencil skirt, believed to be Givenchy, which she teamed with gold heels Old timers: Tonight it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose with the nominees and guests at a pre-ceremony reception as they attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London tonight. Meghan wore head to toe Givenchy with Aquazzura heels Meghan's bump was clearly visible underneath her skirt. The couple, who are expecting their first child in the spring, recently let slip their due date when Meghan told fans in Merseyside that Baby Sussex will arrive 'at the end of April or May' The group of unnamed friends also voiced their concerns that the strain of her ongoing estrangement with her father, and the stress of dealing with his public rants about her, could well be taking its toll on Meghan and Prince Harry's unborn child. 'We worry about what this is doing to her and the baby,' they said. 'It's wrong to put anyone under this level of emotional trauma, let alone when they're pregnant.' Another voiced concerns over the 'global bullying' Meghan is facing, saying: 'We want to stand up against the global bullying were seeing (against Meghan). Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths.' It emerged last week that Kensington Palace staff are spending hours each week moderating online abuse aimed at Meghan, a former star of the show Suits, and the Duchess of Cambridge. Inside, the couple looked relaxed and at ease among friends and serving and former armed forces members. As they moved around the pre-awards party at Draper's hall, Harry was heard to tell one invitee: 'There's a heavy baby in here.' For her part, Meghan told one guest: 'He's going to be the best dad.' Host for the evening was Ross Kemp, the actor and documentary maker. He said he spoke to the couple about their new Labrador puppy. Describing Meghan as 'stunning,' he added: 'We talked about how they've got a puppy and we got a puppy before we had our first boy. It's a preparation for nappy changing and pooping basically.' The couple don formal attire for tonight's awards. The Endeavour Fund is a body that was set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex to fund projects aiding the recovery of veterans Close to his heart: Harry, 34, and Meghan chaired the judging panel which chose the winners who will be announced at the event staged at Drapers' Hall in the City of London on Thursday evening The couple arrive at Draper's Hall tonight. Meghan, 37, dressed her bump in a crisp white shirt tucked into a side-split maxi skirt, which she teamed with Aquazzura stilettos and a black box clutch What feud? After a difficult week that saw friends warn Meghan is battling 'emotional trauma', the Duchess of Sussex appeared in good spirits as she laughed and joked with Prince Harry after arriving at the Endeavour Fund Awards Kemp looked emotional as Harry praised him for his documentaries he made about soldiers fighting in Afghanistan in 2008-9. 'He said it changed public opinion in terms of the sympathy towards the soldiers in the ground,' the actor said. 'He was saying it helped bring awareness. It was actually nice to be banked by someone like him who's been there himself and seen and done it.' 'If you look at A-listers in the world there probably aren't many bigger than those two. They are down to earth, very warm, very decent human beings who care. They could potentially be a massive catalyst for great change not just in the UK but around the world.' The first award of the night was the Recognising Achievement Award given by former Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsent to Kelly Ganfield, a visually impaired runner who has taken part in two Invictus Games.' The couple walk the red carpet hand in hand. Harry and Meghan are at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London 's Draper's Hall honouring those who, despite life-changing injuries, accidents or illnesses, have excelled in sporting and adventure pursuits The couple are suited and booted for tonight's Endeavour Fund Awards. Meghan, 37, dressed her bump in a crisp white shirt tucked into a side-split maxi skirt, which she teamed with £530 Aquazzura 'Rendez Vous' pumps and a black box clutch The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at tonight's star-studded awards ceremony. Harry, 34, and Meghan chaired the judging panel which chose the winners who will be announced at the event staged at Drapers' Hall in the City of London Dazzling in monochrome, the Duchess of Sussex greets a friend after arriving at the Endeavour Fund Awards on Thursday night. Meghan paired a Givenchy skirt with a crisp white shirt, Aquazzura heels and a box clutch 'Your Royal Highness, you're absolutely amazing in acknowledging many of us soldiers,' Ms Ganfield said. 'And the Duchess of Sussex— you've got all this to come. Earlier, Ms Ganfield met the couple at the reception when Harry had teased her and her running guide Mikael Huggins as he had watched her race in the Invictus Games. 'He said that Mikael slightly slowed me down and we giggled about that,' she said. 'He met me in Bath for the trials with Meghan. She is a total asset to the British public and nation.' 'She is going to be a mother soon and — yet again from the trials — she saw my daughter Bethany who was two at the time. She is now three. Bethany gravitated to her and [Meghan] kind of gravitated to Bethany. She has cerebral palsy. Meghan was amazing with her. And [Harry] was beaming — but he's always like that.' Ms Ganfield recalled how in Bath, 'His Royal Highness put my glasses on to see what I see in day to day life and he made Meghan put the same glasses on.' Meghan appeared in good spirits despite a difficult wek. Five 'close friends' of the Duchess, who did not reveal their names, told People this week that Meghan was so distraught with her father Thomas Markle's behaviour that she wrote him a letter The Duchess of Sussex meets guests during a pre-ceremony reception as she and Prince Harry attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London on 7 February Tough week: The couple's appearance at the Endeavour Fund Awards tonight comes after friends warned of the 'emotional trauma' Meghan is dealing with following her family's ongoing public feud and abusive comments made on social media Harry and Meghan chat to guests. The Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund Awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in sporting and adventure challenges over the last year The Endeavour Fund is a body that was set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex in order to fund inspiring projects aiding the recovery of veterans. Since its launch in 2012, the Endeavour Fund has supported 86 different projects that have helped more than 5,000 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Harry, 34, and Meghan chaired the judging panel which chose the winners who will be announced at the event staged at Drapers' Hall in the City of London. They deliberated over three awards: Recognising Achievement, Celebrating Excellence, and the third named in memory of adventurer Henry Worsley, who died trying to complete the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic. Worsley, a career soldier and an experienced polar adventurer, undertook the incredible expedition in order to raise money for the Endeavour Fund. The Duchess of Sussex took to the stage to give the second award — Celebrating Excellence. Before she handed it to Nathan Forster, a former private in the parachute regiment who's now a pilot of 737 planes, she said, 'I'm so, so grateful to be back. Last year was my first time coming and it was such a meaningful night. The couple, pictured at tonight's Endeavour Fund Awards, have a busy roster of engagements ahead of their first child. Their new marital home, Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, is currently undergoing extensive renovations The Duchess clutches her bump as she chats to guests during tonight's Endeavour reception. A group of unnamed friends this week voiced their concerns over the strain of Meghan's ongoing estrangement with her father Thomas Markle Meghan and Harry chat to guests at the reception. Is it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage The Duke and Duchess spent time chatting to guests inside. Is it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage The couple pose with guests at Draper's Hall tonight. As they moved around the pre-awards party at Draper's hall, Harry was heard to tell one invitee: 'There's a heavy baby in her.' For her part, Meghan told one guest: 'He's going to be the best dad' Pregnant Meghan presents the Celebrating Excellence Award to Nathan Forster, a former soldier of the Army's Parachute Regiment, at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London on Thursday evening The Duke of Sussex also gave a speech at tonight's event. The Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund Awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen who have taken part in sporting and adventure challenges British champion rower Matthew Pinsent presents the Recognising Achievement Award to Kelly Ganfield during the Endeavour Fund Awards in the Drapers' Hall in London on Thursday night 'Before the reception Harry and I were talking to all the nominees and in speaking to one of them he said 'gosh the impact you guys make is huge. It's so much bigger than you.' 'No it's not about us, it's the ripple effect. And, in true modesty of all the nominees — 'yes it is about the ripple effect.' But what I admired in him — and I feel is true about all the nominees — is you don't have that ripple effect unless each of you is brave enough to make that first wave. 'It's so important to remember that because what you're doing is inspiring so many people — so thank you from all of us for being that inspiration and congratulations to all the nominees.' Forster, 31, from South Shields, in north east England, was serving in Afghanistan when he seriously injured his left leg following an IED explosion. In five years he has gone from having no experience of flying to being a pilot of 737 jets for TUI taking holidaymakers from the UK to places like Greece, Spain and Tenerife. 'What began as a challenge just to learn how to fly to do something different t and be part of an expedition. And on the back of that training I said I wanted to fly and the challenge opened the door to decide what I wanted to do in my life,' he said. The Duchess cradles her bump on stage tonight. The first award of the night was the Recognising Achievement Award given by former Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsent to Kelly Ganfield, a runner who has taken part in two Invictus Games The Duchess on stage tonight. In a short speech, Meghan told guests what a 'meaningful' evening it had been so far and told nominees: 'What you're doing is inspiring so many people, so thank you from all of us' Meghan gave a short speech as she presented an award tonight. The Endeavour Fund is a body that was set up by the Royal Foundation of Cambridges and Sussexes, in order to fund inspiring projects aiding the recovery of veterans Giving a short speech, Meghan thanked 'inspirational' nominees for creating a 'ripple effect' through their achievements. The Royal Foundation's Endeavour Fund Awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women The Duchess of Sussex presents the Celebrating Excellence Award to Nathan Forster, a former soldier of the Army's Parachute Regiment, at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall in London on Thursday evening His expedition — set for 2021 — plans to fly a flex-wing plane over Antartica. 'It's a bit like flying a motorbike in the sky. That got me into flying and I've been lucky enough to forge a career from there and be supported by the airline.' The last honour of the evening was the Henry Worsley award — which was presented by Prince Harry to Shaun Pascoe, who was an officer commanding the RAF Medical Emergency Response Team on an aircraft. He suffered PTSD after many tours abroad he has since set up a forces' sailing charity — Turn to Starboard. Is it the second year running that the couple have jointly attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, with their 2018 appearance being one of their first official engagements before their marriage. Last year she won fashion plaudits for her decision to ditch dresses and heels in favour of a sharp tuxedo suit from Alexander McQueen and towering heels. The couple, who are expecting their first child in the spring, recently let slip their due date when Meghan told fans in Merseyside that Baby Sussex will arrive 'at the end of April or May'. Their new marital home, Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, is currently undergoing extensive renovations said to include a £50,000 green energy unit and a gender-free nursery using vegan paint. Who was soldier and adventurer Henry Worsley? Stars and royals alike paid tribute to the legendary Henry Worsley following his tragic death in January 2016. The ex-Army officer, 55, from Fulham, south-west London, was attempting to make history with his expedition to Antarctica and was just 30 miles (48km) from becoming the first adventurer to cross the continent unsupported and unassisted when he had to call for help. He was airlifted off the ice and flown to a hospital in Punta Arenas in Chile, where he was found to have bacterial peritonitis. He underwent surgery but died shortly afterwards. In a poignant last message posted online before his death, he said: 'My summit is just out of reach.' An exhausted-sounding Worsley said he was looking forward to a cup of tea and piece of cake, and resolved to 'gather my thoughts in a final message in the coming days'. He said his spirits had been lifted by the generosity of the public in the past two months, saying the support had been 'incredible', but added: ' My journey is at an end. I have run out of time, physical endurance and the simple sheer inability to slide one ski in front of the other to travel the distance required to reach my goal.' Worsley (pictured during a training run on the Korridoren glacier in Milne Land, Greenland in 2008) said he was looking forward to a cup of tea and piece of cake, and resolved to 'gather my thoughts in a final message in the coming days' shortly before his death Worsley was trying to complete the unfinished journey of his lifelong hero Sir Ernest Shackleton to mark the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's expedition. The trek was raising money for the Endeavour Fund, a charity which helps wounded servicemen and women and is managed by the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Duke of Cambridge, who was patron of the expedition, said he and Harry had lost a friend as he paid tribute to Worsley's ''selfless commitment'' to fellow soldiers. Fellow adventurers Bear Grylls and Ben Fogle described their devastation at hearing the news. Grylls wrote: 'One of the strongest men & bravest soldiers I know. Praying for his special family,' while Fogle said: ' So sad to hear that Antarctic explorer Henry Worsley @shackletonsolo has passed away. An inspiration to us all.' Battling temperatures of minus 44C (minus 47.2F), tackling white-out blizzards and treacherous ice, the former-lieutenant colonel was 71 days into his expedition, had passed the South Pole and covered 913 miles (1,469km). After spending two days unable to move from his tent, the married father-of-two took the decision to pull out of the charity adventure after suffering from exhaustion and severe dehydration. Left to right. City worker Will Gow, Team Leader, Henry Worsley, 47 and shipping lawyer Henry Adams during a training run on the Korridoren glacier in Milne Land, Greenland in April 2008. Worsley, a friend of Prince William and Harry, died in January 2016 His wife Joanna, who flew to be by his side, said in a statement: 'It is with heartbroken sadness I let you know that my husband, Henry Worsley, has died following complete organ failure; despite all efforts of ALE (Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions) and medical staff at the Clinica Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile.' She paid tribute to her husband for reaching his goal of raising more than £100,000 to help wounded service personnel. 'Henry achieved his Shackleton Solo goals of raising over £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, to help his wounded colleagues, and so nearly completing the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic landmass,' she said. 'A crossing made, under exceptionally difficult weather conditions, to mark the 100th anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition - his lifelong hero. 'On behalf of myself and family, I wish to thank the many hundreds of you who have shown unfailing support to Henry throughout his courageous final challenge and great generosity to the Endeavour Fund. ' William and Harry pledged to ensure Worsley's family, which includes his two children, Max, 21, and Alicia, 19, received the help they needed in the wake of his death. 'Harry and I are very sad to hear of the loss of Henry Worsley. He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him,' the Duke said at the time. The Duke of Cambridge with Henry Rorsley at Kensington Palace in October 2015, just three months before his tragic death in the Shackleton solo challenge where the Polar explorer attempted to undertake Sir Ernest Shackleton's unfinished journey to the South Pole 'Even after retiring from the Army, Henry continued to show selfless commitment to his fellow servicemen and women, by undertaking this extraordinary Shackleton solo expedition on their behalf. 'We have lost a friend, but he will remain a source of inspiration to us all, especially those who will benefit from his support to the Endeavour Fund. We will now make sure that his family receive the support they need at this terribly difficult time.' The Duke of Cambridge had waved Worsley off from Kensington Palace in October, ahead of the start of the trek, and sent him a Christmas message, telling him how proud everyone was of him. Peritonitis occurs when the thin layer of tissue lining of the abdomen becomes infected. Symptoms can include swelling of the abdomen, vomiting, chills, lack of appetite and a high temperature. Complications include sepsis and septic shock. In his final statement sent from Antarctica, Worsley described how his desire to help wounded soldiers with their rehabilitation was the central focus of his expedition, but that he had taken the decision to call for help. 'The 71 days alone on the Antarctic with over 900 statute miles covered and a gradual grinding down of my physical endurance finally took its toll today, and it is with sadness that I report it is journey's end - so close to my goal,' he said.All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility