Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge dazzles on red carpet in first red carpet appearance since Prince George's birth
CATHERINE, the Duchess of Cambridge has made her first appearance on the red carpet since giving birth to Prince George in July.
CATHERINE, the Duchess of Cambridge has made her first appearance on the red carpet since giving birth to Prince George in July.
Looking relaxed and happy, Kate stole the spotlight in a sparkly, full-length gown as she and Prince William attended the Tusk Conservation Awards at the Royal Society in London overnight.
William is royal patron for Tusk, which funds conservation and sustainable development efforts across Africa. He and his brother Prince Harry have often spoken of their love for Africa, and are heavily involved in charity work there.
The Duchess dazzled onlookers in one of her first public appearances since the birth of Prince George in July. Picture: Getty Images
The new parents' rare evening out comes as Prince William announced that he is quitting the armed forces to take up royal and charity duties, beginning with a key role in a new global wildlife conservation partnership, Kensington Palace said on Thursday.
William completed his last shift as a Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopter pilot on Tuesday after seven-and-a-half years in the military.
The 31-year-old Duke of Cambridge is in a "transitional'' year, sources have said, and is considering options for his "public service'' with a formal announcement to be made about his decision within the next 12 months.
But he said he would start by bringing together seven top conservation organisations in a group called "United for Wildlife'', as part of which he has filmed a video with former footballer David Beckham.
William said that the new group, of which he will be president, would "provide the impetus for a renewed commitment and action to protect endangered species and habitats for future generations''.
Speaking of the danger of extinction, William added: "We must work together to prevent this catastrophe and allow our children the opportunity to experience wildlife in its many beautiful and varied forms.''
Kensington Palace said in a statement: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge is to leave operational service in the Armed Forces.
The Duke and Duchess saunter down the red carpet. Picture: Getty Images
"He completes his tour with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, after more than seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service.
"He will continue to support the work of the Queen and the Royal Family through a program of official engagements, both at home and overseas, with the Duchess of Cambridge.
"The Duke will work closely over the next 12 months with the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. He will expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of endangered species.''
William will continue to work with charities dealing with children and military veterans, the palace said.
The wildlife partnership brings together the foundation with Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, WWF-UK and the Zoological Society of London.
William's late mother Diana was a frequent visitor to Africa where many endangered species have their habitats, while his father Prince Charles is a keen conservationist. Prince Harry has also founded a Lesotho-based charity Sentebale.
William said earlier this week in a documentary screened by CNN and the British network ITV that the arrival of his son had increased the depth of his feelings towards endangered animals.
Kate and Prince William chat at the function (top) and the Duchess greets a guest. Pictures: Getty Images/AP
"The wildlife is incredibly vulnerable and I feel a real protective instinct, more so now that I am a father, which is why I get emotional about it... you want to stand up for what is very vulnerable and needs protecting,'' he said.
"Elephants, rhinos and many other animals that are persecuted don't have a voice.''
William, Kate and George are expected to move into refurbished apartments at Kensington Palace in London within weeks.
The couple have previously spoken of how much they have enjoyed living near the RAF base in North Wales where they were largely left alone by the press, apart from the occasional photograph of the former Kate Middleton shopping in the local supermarket. William's brother Harry remains in the military