Beyoncé and Jay-Z paid tribute to Britain's Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, as they accepted the Best International Group gong at the Brit Awards on Thursday night.

The married couple and musical collaborators posed in front of a painting of Meghan Markle wearing a crown in a pre-recorded video which was played at the ceremony at London's O2 Arena.

After Beyoncé thanked the Brit Awards for "this incredible honour", she said "everything is love". The couple then turned around to look at the painting while their track Apes*** played in the background.

It was a reference to their video for the hit single Apes***, which was filmed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

After their Brit Award win, Beyoncé shared the videos and pictures on Instagram and wrote: "Thank you to the Brits for the award for Best International Group.

"I won this award back in 2002 with my besties, Kelly and Michelle.

"How lucky am I to have been in a group with my other best friend, the GOAT Hova.

"In honor of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas. Congrats on your pregnancy!

"We wish you so much joy."

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George Clooney recently showed support for Markle, saying she is being "pursued and vilified" while comparing her treatment in the press with that of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Duchess is due to welcome her first child with Prince Harry in late April or early May. 

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