Kate takes on first solo royal engagement
(CBS) The Duchess of Cambridge carried out her first solo royal engagement on Wednesday night, filling in for her father-in-law at a charity event in London.
The former Kate Middleton, 29, represented Prince Charles, 62, at a dinner at Clarence House, after he was called away to Riyadh to offer condolences to the Saudi Arabian royal family following the death of the crown prince.
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A St James's Palace spokesman told the Telegraph: "The Duchess of Cambridge was delighted to be able to step in for her father-in-law, The Prince of Wales, to celebrate the work of In Kind Direct at the dinner."
The dinner was held to thank supporters of In Kind Direct, a charity founded by Charles in 1996 that redistributes surplus goods from manufacturers to U.K. charities.
The duchess wore a pale blue, empire-line gown at the event, which was reportedly attended by about 30 guests.
"The Duchess had a little bit of time beforehand to prepare for the engagement - it all went very well," a palace aide said, according to the Telegraph. "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."
