The Duke & Duchess Attend The Royal Variety Performance...

Tonight the Duke and Duchess attended the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium in Westminster. It was a clear sign that the couple are taking on more responsibilities usually fulfilled by more senior members of the royal family.

photo from the Daily Mail

The couple both looked very happy and relaxed at tonights event and the Duchess showed off the most significant sign of a baby bump!

photo from the Daily Mail

Inside the palladium the Duke and Duchess were greeted by One Direction.

photo from the Daily Mail

The Duchess shook hands with Harry Styles. Harry said to a reporter "I said congratulations on the bump even though she didn't look bumpy". 

photo from the Daily Mail

The couple watched the annual event, this year, hosted by Michael McIntyre. They were treated to performances by Bette Middler, Ed Sheeran, Dame Shirley Bassey, Demi Lovato, Jack Whitehall and Mick Hucknall. Ellie Goulding, who sung at the couple's wedding, also performed.

The Duchess's outfit tonight was a classic Kate look. Clean lines and a polished finish. I love her hair up - it emphasises the delicate neckline.

photo from the Daily Mail

The back of the dress featured a lovely v-neck, which again looked much better with the Duchess's hair being up.

photo from the Daily Mail

The Duchess stuck to an old favourite designer-wise tonight. She wore a new gown - the Zarita Lace Gown by Diane von Furstenberg. It currently retails for £785. It is described as "fitted through the bodice, waist and thigh, this piece opens to a sweeping fluted hem".

The Duchess of Cambridge stuck with an old classic for her footwear tonight - the Jimmy Choo Cosmic Pumps with are still available for £450.

She also brought back her black jewelled clutch first seen at the Action on Addiction gala dinner last month, but has yet to be identified!

The Duchess kept her jewellery simple with her Kiki McDonough Lola Blue Topaz Hoops. They are available for £3,200.

Copy Kate

Now I know that we don't have the opportunity like Kate to wear a full-length gown, so I decided to find a replica in a knee-length version as I thought that more people would be more likely to copy Kate this way! M&S Lace Skater Dress has delicate sheer neckline and sleeves which are very flattering. The knee-length skirt flows beautifully over your frame. It retails for £59.  Kate teamed the outfit with platform black suede pumps, these ones from Dune, Head Over Heels BamBam Stiletto Heel Platform Court Shoes, are a good substitute at the much more affordable price of £55. For a sparkly clutch, an essential as the Christmas party season approaches, Star by Julian McDonald Black Beaded Clutch Bag, is the perfect one. These earrings from Azuni are not exactly like Kate's but they are a very good alternative for blue drop earrings, and much cheaper at £36. 

I loved Kate's outfit tonight. She seems to favour black and lace more in the winter, although it suits her very well, so I won't complain! 

I can't wait to watch the Royal Variety Performance on television this year when it airs in December! It will be lovely to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the royal box this year.