Duchess of Cambridge joins The Queen for Buckingham Palace reception

<![CDATA[This evening, The Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen for a star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace.
Hollywood stars including Dame Helen Mirren, Joan Collins and Helena Bonham Carter all attended the reception at the Palace to celebrate dramatic arts.
Kate, 32, left Prince William and Prince George at home to accompany monarch for the event, which was held in honour of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, of which The Queen is Patron.

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The Duchess was spotted arriving at the Palace looking elegant in the red Alexander McQueen dress she first wore in June 2012, for the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant, and with her shiny brunette locks worn down.
As guests arrived at the Palace, the Queen met with ten hand-picked stars including Alan Rickman, Sir David Attenborough and Dame Angela Lansbury. The guest list included 250 guests from the dramatic arts world including actors, playwrights, teachers and producers.
Kate, who made her return to royal duties last week, greeted attendees with The Queen before the party moved into the ballroom. The two royals were also joined by Prince Michael of Kent.

In the stunning ballroom, guests will enjoy a series of performances before members of the royal family move through the state rooms meeting guests.
Guest Dame Helen Mirren, who famously played The Queen, was attending just a day after being presented with the Fellowship Award at Sunday evening’s BAFTA Award ceremony.
Prince William, as president of the BAFTA, presented Dame Helen with the prestigious prize after joking he should probably call her “granny”.
Dame Helen and the Duchess discussed the award with Kate joking: “My husband called you granny last night.”
Speaking after their meeting, the celebrated actress praised Prince William’s wife. “How delightful she was,” Dame Helen said. “Very sweet.”
This evening marks one of the rare occasions Kate has played a supporting role to The Queen. In March 2012, the Duchess joined the monarch and Prince Philip in Leicester for the launch her Diamond Jubilee tour around the United Kingdom.
A few weeks later, Kate, with The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Fortnum and Mason where the three royals were presented with baskets full of the shop’s delicious products.
photo credit: cassettegirl via photopin cc]]>