Prince William - William And Catherine Dazzle Together

William And Catherine Dazzle Together

Duchess Catherine made her first public appearance with husband Prince William last night (09.06.11).

The 29-year-old royal wowed onlookers in a dusty Pink Jenny Packham gown and L.K. Bennett shoes for the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) Gala Dinner at London's Perks Field at Kensington Palace, with 1,000 guests including Elizabeth Hurley, model Sophie Dahl and actor Kevin Spacey mingling with the royal couple.

Addressing the crowd, Prince William announced his wife had joined the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry as a patron.

He said: "My brother, Catherine and I Hope to use our philanthropy as a long-term catalyst for meaningful change."

Discussing the Foundation's partnership with the ARK, he said: "Programmes from this partnership will raise aspirations, broaden horizons and encourage young people to achieve what may have seemed to them unachievable.

"It will generate opportunities in education for young people in the United Kingdom and then later expand beyond our shores, initially to projects in sub-Saharan Africa."

Following a drinks reception and canapes, guests then enjoyed a three course meal of yellow-fin tuna carpaccio, Kobe beef fillet and a trio of desserts.

Later, guests bid at a charity auction with lots including a Kenyan safari and a trip for 10 in the world's largest yacht, the Maltese Falcon.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Mark Ronson and Nashville rockers Kings Of Leon.