Duchess Of Cambridge Steps Out Without Wills For First Time
Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge has proved she doesn't need hubby Prince William by her side to shine - the brunette beauty dazzled as she made her first solo public engagement on Wednesday night.
The former Kate Middleton has regularly had her royal partner on her arm since they married last year - but now that 29-year-old RAF co-pilot William has left the country for a tour of duty in the Falkland Islands, the brunette has stepped into the spotlight by herself.
The Duchess, who studied art history at the University of St Andrews, attended a Lucian Freud preview show at London's National Portrait Gallery - and fashion experts are already hailing her style.
She wore a grey 1950s-inspired coat dress by high street clothing range Jesire - proving that one doesn't need couture to impress.
Lucky guests who got to meet Kate included actor Sir Ian Holm and Sir Paul McCartney's photographer daughter Mary.
The 30-year-old's arty outing also coincided with confirmation that she intends to sit for a stunning new portrait in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson for St James's Palace declared: "She is happy to do it. There haven't been any decisions about who the artist will be."
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First Posted: 9/02/2012 07:30 Updated: 9/02/2012 09:40