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The Duchess of Cambridge was the belle of the ball as she joined the Queen for a party at Buckingham Palace.
Applause broke out as the Queen and Prince Philip, followed by Charles, Camilla and Kate, made their way towards their guests on the first Buckingham Palace party of the summer.
Ahead of the Diamond Jubilee this weekend, the Duchess of Cambridge joined Queen Elizabeth II and 8,000 guests for tea and cakes on the palace grounds.
'She [the Queen] was chatting with her guests for nearly two hours this afternoon,' said guest Katie Couric to ABC. 'I had no idea what to expect. She looked beautiful.'
Catherine Middleton looked pretty in pink as she enjoyed the sun and mingled with guests. The 30-year-old's Emilia Wickstead dress was elegant and understated, combined perfectly with a Jane Corbett hat.
Although Prince William reportedly remained at the Royal Air Force base in Anglesey, Wales, Kate looked completely at ease with her fellow royal family members. The Duke of Cambridge is a search-and-rescue pilot on the Welsh island.
Kate is looking more and more confident with making public appearances without her husband.
'She [Kate Middleton] was very confident, beautiful and elegant,' said Bethan Haynes from Anglesey, with whom the Duchess of Cambridge shared stories.
The Queen wore a lilac and white floral silk dress with a lilac silk wool coat by Peter Enrione, with matching hat by Angela Kelly.
Catherine Middleton wore the same £1,200 dress for the Royal Sovereign’s Lunch in honour of the Queen’s jubilee at Windsor Castle two weeks ago, but the addition of the hat really freshened up the outfit.
Those in attendance couldn't have hoped for better weather, with temperatures at around 24C on a beautiful summer afternoon.