Prince Harry hugs singer Jennifer Hudson after mingling with US stars at NACCP awards

PRINCE Harry was pictured sharing a sweet hug with the singer Jennifer Hudson after mingling with US stars at the NACCP awards.

The 38-year-old grinned as he embraced R&B royalty backstage on Saturday, after he and wife Meghan Markle received a prestigious award.

In candid snaps shared on social media, the pair looked delighted to cross paths behind the scenes at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. 

The Duke of Sussex rubbed shoulders with a string of celebs including Anthony Anderson at the bash after chatting to Grammy winner Hudson.

He had earlier graced the stage with Meghan - who stunned in a tonal blue dress - to receive the President's Award for special achievement and distinguished public service. 

It recognised their work through the Archewell Foundation, including their support in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and attention brought to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Harry touchingly thanked the communities the foundation serves for a warm welcome before taking a moment to address Russia's attacks on Ukraine.

"Before I begin, we would like to acknowledge the people of Ukraine, who urgently need our continued support as a global community," he said.

After taking a moment to draw attention to the crisis, Harry said: "I also echo the immense gratitude for tonight, both for this award and this community for welcoming me so warmly.

"I think it's safe to say that I come from a very different background from my incredible wife, yet our lives were brought together for a reason.

"We share a commitment to a life of service, a responsibility to combat injustice and a belief that the most often overlooked are the most important to listen to."

Meghan added: "I couldn't be prouder that we're doing this work together."

Harry also praised his "incredible wife" in front of the crowd of Hollywood's elite, saying they were "brought together for a reason."

'INCREDIBLE WIFE'

The Duke of Sussex told attendees: "I think it’s safe to say I come from a very different background to my incredible wife, yet our lives were brought together for a reason.

"We share a commitment to a life of service, a responsibility to confront injustice and a belief that the most overlooked are often the most important to listen to."

Harry wore a smart black tuxedo to the ceremony, while Meghan wore a Christopher John Rogers dress worth an estimated £2,000, her £260,000 engagement ring and £7,000 accessories to the awards.

Speaking to Vogue, Christopher revealed he was approached by Meghan a month ago to work together.

He said: “I was immediately struck by her warmth and just her overall demeanour—her sense of ease and confidence within herself.

DUKE'S SOARING SOCIAL LIFE

"We quickly touched on this idea of a reveal. She hadn’t really stepped out like this in a while."

The Duchess was also spotted wearing Princess Diana’s yellow gold omega chain cuff bracelet – which she first wore during her royal tour of Australia with Prince Harry in 2018.

It comes just weeks after Harry attended the star-studded Super Bowl with Princess Eugenie.

He was pictured inspecting the Vince Lombardi Trophy while wearing an LA Super Bowl cap, after posing with country singer Mickey Guyton, 38.

The Duke was also seen chatting to Cedric the Entertainer after enjoying half-time entertainment from hip-hop legends Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Mary J Blige.