Elegant Kate goes for dove grey and a new side-chignon up-do as she steps out solo for cocktail reception

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Polished: The Duchess of Cambridge wore an elegant pale grey dress, and a sleek chignon up-do for a Creative Industries reception at the Royal Academy of Arts this evening

The Duchess of Cambridge was flying the flag last night at a glitzy cocktail bash to promote the best of Britain.
Elegant Kate, who was without her husband, Prince William, was attending a Creative Industries reception at the Royal Academy of Arts in London’s Piccadilly to support the Government’s GREAT Campaign.
Wearing a dove grey dress by designer Roksanda Ilincic, Serbian born but a graduate of Central St Martin's, the Duchess swept down the red carpet prompting a battery of camera flashes.

New look: Kate wore her hair up in an elegant side-chignon, showing off her Kiki McDonough earrings

She first sported the designer outfit, which has an unusual slashed neckline, when she arrived in LA last year on her inaugural royal tour.
She was greeted by the Prime Minister David Cameron, the first time the two have apparently been photographed together.
The Duchess completed her outfit with a pair of the palest pale grey suede heels, tan tights and hooped Kiki McDonough earrings.
Unusually she wore her hair swept back in an elegant chignon showing off her new earrings, which she also wore to the Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday, to their best advantage.

Guest of honour: Kate was greeted on arrival at the Royal Academy of Arts by Prime Minister David Cameron and RAA President, Christopher le Brun

Opening the event, the Prime Minister David Cameron made a short speech and revealed a fascinating conversation he enjoyed with Prince William at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games with Prince William.
Turning to the Duchess, he said: 'My favourite part of the opening ceremony was when your husband leant over and said to me 'I don't know if you know, Prime Minister, but my grandmother is a great fan of Dizzee Rascal.'
The comment prompted howls of laughter, not least from the Duchess.

Going solo: The Duchess, who attended the event without her husband, Prince William, walked the red carpet with Mr Cameron and Mr le Brun

Best of British: The star-studded bash was thrown by The Founders Forum to celebrate UK culture, creativity, art and entertainment on the back of the GREAT initiative

source: dailymail