The Duchess of Cambridge threw open the doors of Kensington Palace to host a special dinner for one of her charities, SportsAid, on Thursday night. Kate invited charity ambassadors to the formal do as well as some of the athletes who are hoping to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE KATE'S SPEECH
The Duchess, who has been a patron of SportsAid since 2013, looked glamorous in a daring, floor-sweeping gown by Roland Mouret which retails at £2,100. She paired the designer number with oversized hoop earrings and her signature glossy, Chelsea blowdry.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate dazzled in an electric blue Roland Mouret gown
Thursday night's reception was held in the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace, while the dinner was served in the King's Gallery inside. The menu included English asparagus with truffled potato alioli, seared fillet of beef with vegetables and for dessert, a delicious orange and Valrhona chocolate bar with milk chocolate mousse, orange jam and an almond praline ice cream.
Before sitting down to enjoy the delicious meal, the mother-of-two delivered a short speech in which she expressed her love for sport.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess met with SportsAid ambassadors and young athletes who will be competing in the Rio 2016 Olympics
"Some of you may know that I love sport. I love cheering on teams and athletes that I am passionate about. I love the physical challenge sport presents and the mental strength it gives us all. And I love the way it so often brings people together to work as part of a team," she said, before expressing her excitement ahead of Rio.
"We cannot wait to meet the next SportsAid champions – the next Chris Hoys and Katherine Graingers who will remind us all of the magic and the power of sport. So thank you all for supporting the incredible work of SportsAid. I am immensely proud to be their Patron and I can't wait to cheer on our team competing in Rio".
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe reception was held in the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace
Prince William's wife has carried out several engagements in the past to show her support for the charity, and this time Kate was no doubt thrilled to meet some of the budding Olympians.
The dinner was held to showcase the work of SportsAid, which provides financial support and recognition to the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians in the critical early stages of their careers.
The charity's alumni includes Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah, Tom Daley, Denise Lewis, Chris Hoy, Steve Redgrave and Ellie Simmonds.
While Kensington Palace is famously home to the Duchess and her family, there was no sign of Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the bash. The last time Kate, 34, hosted a dinner at home, it was for the Obamas and two-year-old George made a sweet surprise appearance.
© Photo: Getty Images'I love cheering on teams and athletes that I am passionate about,' the Duchess said in her speech
While Kate supports a host of charities around the UK, she makes every effort to divide her time between her different causes. This year is particularly special for SportsAid as the charity is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
In April Prince William's wife penned a thoughtful message, in which she praised SportsAid for their contribution to British sport.
"As Patron, I would like to wish SportsAid a very happy 40th birthday, and offer my best wishes to everyone who has played a part in their success," she wrote.
"Thank you to those who have, and are, supporting SportsAid. Your efforts make a huge difference to thousands of young people and their families.
"Everyone involved in this great cause should be incredibly proud of the impact SportsAid has had on the success of British sport over the last four decades."
