Meghan’s surprise BRIT Awards cameo — in a Beyonce acceptance video

Meghan Markle’s shock appearance during Beyonce’s BRIT Awards acceptance speech today has everybody talking.

Meghan Markle wasn’t among the high-profile guests at today’s BRIT Awards — and yet her presence was felt, thanks to another of the world’s most famous women.

A regal-looking portrait of the newest member of the royal family, adorned in a crown and draped jewels, appeared in the background of Beyonce and husband Jay-Z’s pre-taped acceptance speech as they won the Best International Group award for their album released as The Carters.

BRIT Awards 2019: Best and worst dressed

The staging, music and outfits worn during the acceptance speech were a clear homage to the couple’s Apes**t music video, which was filmed in the Louvre in front of iconic artworks including the Mona Lisa.

But today, the Mona Lisa had been swapped out for Meghan Markle:

Beyonce and Jay-Z in front of Meghan Markle's portrait.

That’s Meghan.

“Thank you so much to the BRIT Awards for this incredible honour; you guys have always been so supportive. Everything is love,” said Beyonce, before the pair turned around to face the portrait of Meghan.

So what does it all mean? Many on social media are interpreting it as a show of support for Meghan against the barbs of the British tabloid media:

Wow at Beyonce and Jay-Z not only making an acceptance video, but doing so in front of a portrait of Meghan Markle. Very classy, pointed support of a black woman being treated repulsively by the UK tabloids #BRITs

— Laura Snapes (@laurasnapes) February 20, 2019

Love that Meghan Markle picture in the background with The Carters. Can't wait to read all the butt hurt people have about it! ☕ #BRITs

— Eve 💫 (@EveAL2627) February 20, 2019

The Carters made Meghan looked like royalty in 4 seconds something the British media have failed to do. #BritAwards2019 pic.twitter.com/2FybLad4PU

— Tashiana ~✨ (@TashaTweeets) February 20, 2019

I love the solidarity they are showing for Meghan Markle. She's been getting trashed and vilified by British Media. We love The Carters supporting and uplifting others. https://t.co/8Dl3Q8JBsO

— Mandy - Grammy winning EIL (@Mandy_hive) February 20, 2019

So many questions about T̶h̶e̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶t̶e̶r̶s̶ ̶ Beyoncé and Jay Z’s #Brits Meghan Markle homage
- did she sit for it whilst in NY? Does it hang in their home? Did Beyoncé make her cut her hair for it? (Cc @chrisshipitv) 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hUteF4MipY

— Vincent McAviney (@VinnyMcAv) February 20, 2019

Beyonce and Jay Z have won best international group for The Carters and gave their acceptance speech in front of a painting of Meghan Markle. This will inevitably be read by some people as political, and maybe it is? #BRITs

— Grazia UK (@GraziaUK) February 20, 2019

The 2019 BRIT Awards will air in Australia 10:30pm tonight, Thursday February 21, on Foxtel’s UKTV Channel.