Kate Middleton: Solo Engagement, Charity & Top 10 Styles [PHOTOS]
When Kate Middleton stepped out of Westminster Abbey on April 29 draped in fine white lace inspired by Alexander McQueen, she not only transformed into a member of the royal family but more, she became an icon of style that the world continues to watch closely today.
On Wednesday night, the Duchess of Cambridge turned heads as she entered Clarence House wearing a stunning floor length grey vintage Amanda Wakeley gown in her first official solo engagement- a dinner in aid of the charity Kind Direct.
Kate's hairstyle, which she wore half swept up, seemed to attract more attention then her dress. It revealed diamond earrings in front of her long brown locks.
Start the slideshow to taken a look at Middleton's top 10 looks.
At the Kind Direct event, Middleton stepped in for Prince Charles, the founder of the charity, who had to go to Riyadh following the death of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
She spent the night gracefully chatting and charming what seemed to be a much older crowd. "She was so pleased that her first solo engagement was for the Prince of Wales, who has shown her so much support over the years," a spokesperson for the charity told the Daily Telegraph.
"We were delighted that the Duchess was able to step in at such short notice after our founder was unexpectedly called away," she added.
The Duchess of Cambridge is becoming deeply engrossed with charity work. She has started to walk in the footsteps of Princess Diana after being awarded her first royal patronage at the The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. She has worked closely with the Foundation since she married Prince William in April.
Another recent charitable event was when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, England, almost 30 years after Princess Diana's visit, to the mark the opening of a new cancer treatment ward for children.
The Royal Couple arrived at the hospital to a grand welcome with cheers and union flags as they prepared to open the £18million Oak Centre for Children and Young People. It was their first public appearance together in weeks, as Middleton has been deciding which charities she would work on behalf of.
The Duchess, who was wearing a cream Amanda Wakeley dress and LK Bennett shoes, spoke with patients in the ward and shared a joke with leukemia sufferer Digby Davisdon, who was back in the hospital following a relapse, the Daily Mail reported.
The couple also met with nine-year-old Fabian Bate, who was in the middle of a four-hour chemotherapy treatment session for his acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Bate hailed the duchess for her kindness after she told him she would post a personal message on his family blog, The Press Association reported.
The Duchess told Bate's family how sorry she was the treatment had not worked the first time, after asking many questions about his illness.
"When we told her about the blog she said 'I'll look that up and post a message.' She sounded like she really meant it so we'll see," Bate's mother told The Press Association.
In May 2007, Prince William became president of the Royal Marsden Hospital, a position previously held by Diana, Princess of Wales. The Prince has visited the hospital a number of times, and in December 2005, undertook two days of work experience there. Prince William helped out in a variety of departments, including medical research, catering and fundraising, as well as visiting a number of wards, including the Children's Unit.
"The Royal Marsden does an extraordinary job in treating thousands of cancer patients every year," William said during his inauguration as president of the hospital. "The standards of care and compassion of its staff are unsurpassed in the world. I am, therefore, delighted and honored to become president of the Royal Marsden and will do whatever I can to support its innovative and vital work."
Tessa Green, chairman of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said, "William follows in the footsteps of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who became our president in 1989. The Prince has spent many hours with us at the hospital and it is wonderful that he is so committed to helping our fight against cancer."
Founded in 1851, the Royal Marsden was the first hospital in the world dedicated to cancer treatment and research into the causes of cancer.
Today, the hospital, with its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, forms the largest comprehensive cancer center in Europe with over 40,000 patients from the UK and abroad seen each year.
Amanda Berry, BAFTA chief executive, Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine walk the red carpet as they arrive at the BAFTA Brits to Watch
Amanda Berry (L), BAFTA chief executive, Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, walk the red carpet as they arrive at the BAFTA Brits to Watch event in Los Angeles, California July 9, 2011. Prince William and his wife Catherine are on a royal visit to California from July 8 to July 10.
Middleton, girlfriend of Britain's Prince William, and unidentified friend react while watching on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival
Kate Middleton (C), girlfriend of Britain's Prince William, and an unidentified friend (L) react while watching on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival horse racing in Gloucestershire, western England, March 16, 2007.
Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton listen to speeches during their visit St. Andrews University in Fife
Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton listen to speeches during their visit St. Andrews University in Fife, Scotland February 25, 2011. The couple made their second official visit together since announcing their engagement in November to St. Andrews University to launch its 600th anniversary celebrations.
Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey before her marriage to Britain's Prince William in central London
Kate Middleton waves as she arrives at Westminster Abbey before her marriage to Britain's Prince William in central London April 29, 2011.
Britain's Prince William, and Kate Middleton stand before the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Britain's Prince William, and Kate Middleton stand before the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, during their wedding ceremony In Westminster Abbey, in central London April 29, 2011.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the wedding between Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the wedding between Zara Phillips, the eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth, and England rugby captain Mike Tindall, at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland July 30, 2011.
Britain's Prince William and Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge visit the Summerfield Community Centre, in the Winson Green area of Birmingham
Britain's Prince William and Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge visit the Summerfield Community Centre, in the Winson Green area of Birmingham, August 19, 2011. Prince William and Catherine visited areas affected by last week's violent disturbances in Birmingham.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she leaves after a visit to the Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton, southern England
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she leaves after a visit to the Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton, southern England, September 29, 2011.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, kisses her husband following a polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet ClubCatherine, Duchess of Cambridge, kisses her husband following a polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, kisses her husband, Britain's Prince William, as she presents awards following a polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club for a charity event held in support of the American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry in Santa Barbara, California, July 9, 2011.
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend a private reception in Los Angeles 09/07/2011
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend a private reception at the British Consul-General's residence in Los Angeles July 8, 2011. Prince William and his wife Catherine are on a royal visit to California from July 8 to July 10
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