Video: Kate brushes up on her royal duties with first solo engagement at portrait gallery
Kate Middleton looked every inch the confident royal last night as she stepped out for her first solo public engagement.
She arrived at the National Portrait Gallery, London, for a preview of the Lucian Freud show that gives a comprehensive overview of the work of one of the greatest figurative painters of the late 20th Century.
The visit came as St James's Palace confirmed Ms Middleton had agreed to a request from the gallery, of which she is patron, to pose for a portrait.
A palace spokesman said: "The Duchess is happy to do it some time in the future. There haven't been any decisions about who the artist will be, this is being discussed."
Ms Middleton stepped from her chauffeur-driven car wearing a dress by Jesire -- a high-street clothing range -- a double-breasted, 1950s-style grey gown in a marbled pattern.
She has been carrying out accompanied public engagements for just under a year.
Ms Middleton has been learning the ropes of being a royal from her husband, Prince William, who last week was posted to the Falkland Islands to work as an RAF Search and Rescue co-pilot.
On other joint public engagements in Britain last year, William was continually at her side.
The couple also took their first overseas tour together last summer to Canada and California.
- Tony Jones in London
Irish Independent
