Last updated at 9:34 AM on 20th December 2011
On a night when the courage of military heroes was saluted, the Duchess of Cambridge displayed some daring of her own – with her choice of outfit.
Fitness fanatic Kate showed off her toned muscular arms in a £4,000 black strapless dress by her favourite couture label, Alexander McQueen, which clung to her every curve.
To complement the stunning black velvet full-length gown with a frilled sweetheart neckline, Prince William’s wife sported a diamond-and-ruby collar-style necklace given to her as a wedding present by a mystery admirer.
Letting her hair down: The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Imperial War Museum in London for the Sun Military Awards in a strapless black velvet dress
Dressed to impress: The dress was made by a designer for Alexander McQueen and featured frill trim around the bust
The royal arrival: The young prince looked dapper in black tie at the event
It is designed to appear as if dozens of gem-encrusted shooting stars are radiating out of it. She also wore matching earrings and a bracelet.
A St James’s Palace spokesman would say only that they were ‘a wedding gift from a family friend who wishes to remain anonymous’.
Kate, 29, who completed her look with Prada satin pumps and heavy eye make-up, was accompanied by both her husband and brother-in-law, Prince Harry – both serving officers themselves.
Muscular: Exercise fan the Duchess of Cambridge wore a dress which helped to showcase her impressive physical fitness
Kate and her men: The Duchess arrives on the red carpet with her husband, Prince William and Prince Harry
They were attending A Night of Heroes at the Imperial War Museum in London. The
awards were set up by Prince Charles to mark the achievements of the
Armed Forces and those who support them on operations at home and
abroad.
Making a presentation to one of the heroes, Harry made a highly emotional speech – his most moving and mature to date – paying tribute to his military colleagues.
He said: ‘It’s often said of our Armed Forces that they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Well, I don’t entirely buy that.
Classic: Kate styled her shiny brunette locks in loose curls
Toned: Kate’s outfit was augmented by some beautiful jewellery she was given as a wedding present
‘Ordinary people don’t run out under withering enemy rocket and heavy machine-gun fire to rescue a wounded comrade.
‘Ordinary people don’t brave monsoon conditions dangling on a winch line to rescue 13 people, each in turn.
‘For that matter, ordinary people don’t put their lives on the line for distant folk, such as the Afghans, who need our help and are now turning their country round because of it.’
As slim as ever: The tiny Duchess’ waist was on show in the dress which had a fishtail-style skirt
The best sister-in-law: Kate shares a laugh with Harry on the red carpet as the cameras snap away
He also made warm mention of the families left at home by soldiers, sailors and airmen.
‘The
strength and courage it must take to see your husband or your wife,
your father or mother, son or daughter, head off into the unknown – and
to support them doing it – I can hardly even imagine.’
He added: ‘Like my brother, I share many of the same hopes, the same aspirations to go on operations, and the same fears, as all those who serve our Queen and country.
‘By an accident of birth, though, it falls to 564673 Captain Wales humbly to express – on behalf of my comrades-in-arms and people up and down the country – the admiration we feel for the extraordinary men and women we honour here tonight.’
More:
Kate Middleton shows off her toned arms and shoulders to salute Armed Forces