Duchess Kate's first big night out without baby Charlotte as she attends Rugby World Cup


September 18, 2015

She's been out of the spotlight on maternity leave for several months, so the Duchess of Cambridge must be happy to be out and about. On her first night out since the birth of her baby, the Duchess, née Kate Middleton, was in high spirits at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup.

Along with thousands of fans, Kate joined Prince William, Prince Harry and Prime Minister David Cameron at Twickenham where hosts England were due to play Fiji.

© Photo: Getty Images

The royal mum of two looked striking in a £325 electric blue Reiss coat, which - sadly for fashionistas hoping to steal her style - was from their AW2014 line and no longer available. The updated version is however on sale.

It is the perfect return to social life for the royal mum who is passionate about sport like her husband and his family. William is the president of FIFA, Harry is the honorary president of England Rugby 2015, the organising committee staging the contest, as well as the founder of the Invictus Games for injured veterans. All three young royals were ambassadors at the 2012 London Olympics.

William and Kate watched from the stands as Harry took to the stage at Twickenham to make a speech to officially open the ceremony. He told the supporters, and millions watching at home: "This evening marks the beginning of a celebration of rugby which I hope will inspire current players, those new to the game and future generations."

© Photo: Getty Images

The start to the tournament marked the second engagement of the week for Kate, who turned out on Thursday during the day to show her support for the Anna Freud Centre, which works on mental health in children. With a new hairstyle and wearing a £1,245 Ralph Lauren dress, the mother of two made an elegant return to work

The engagement was a chance for her to signal where she plans to focus her efforts in the coming months and support the vital work done by a family friend. The chairman of the trustees is Michael Samuel, the husband of Prince George's godmother Julia Samuel who was a friend of Princess Diana.

The little boy and his sister Princess Charlotte had probably been left behind in the capable hands of supernanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. Kate has kept a low profile since giving birth on 2 May. The 33-year-old has been at the Cambridges' country retreat Anmer Hall.

© Photo: Getty Images

She and her husband did attend the America's Cup World Series in Portsmouth in July, where Kate appeared in high spirits despite the race being called off. Then the Cambridges travelled to Balmoral to help the Queen celebrate her achievement in becoming Britain's longest reigning monarch.

It is thought that the Queen has giving her grandson's wife a special honour in recognition of all she has contributed to the royal family thus far. Kate is thought to have been awarded the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II – a personal gift of the monarch.

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