Prince William and Catherine Middleton enjoy a Night Out
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, made her first official bow as a working princess with her husband, Prince William, at a London fundraiser.The children’s charity benefit was held in a custom-made marquee at Parks Field.
ARK founder Arpad Busson told reporters he was thrilled that the royal couple were the evening's guests of honor. William and Kate, "bridge the generations," said Busson. "We need to get young philanthropists involved with us. They could not have been a better choice."
William and Prince Harry's foundation and ARK "share a common vision and commitment to transform the lives of disadvantaged children in the U.K. and around the world," the palace said in a statement.
The couple were surrounded by guests before they took their seats. And some people also took photos of the couple.
As they separated from each other to meet different groups, the duchess was asked, "Where's your husband?" by curious guests. "We always get split up at these things," she replied.
The couple were seated across from each other at a 25-seat table, where Tom Ford, Jemima Khan Prince Pavlos of Greece, Princess Marie-Chantal and Countess von Bismarck also sat.
Later, William, 28, made his first public speech since his wedding, launching a four-year collaboration between his own charitable organization, the Prince William and Prince Harry foundation, and ARK.
"Harry and I find ourselves in a position to be able to help. I really believe that individuals can make a serious difference — whether it's through wealth, through position, or some other advantage," he said. "Catherine and I hope to use our philanthropy as a long-term catalyst for meaningful change."
William received a standing ovation from the audience.
After the couple left the party, they were replaced by the Kings of Leon to perfom for the guests.