Kate Middleton emerged for the first time in public for two weeks yesterday in a stunning Alice Temperley dress with a see-through net neckline and sleeves, embroidered with white  flowers.

It was the first time Kate has been seen in public since her tour of the north east on October 10, and, as was the case last time, she stepped out alone without William who was said to be on duty with the RAF.

Kate was at an event to honor the British athletes who took part in the 2012 Olympic games this summer, and was supporting the Queen.

British Prime Minister gave a speech in which he commented: "To me, Her Majesty the Queen and James Bond are the two coolest things about Britain…I think it was extremely courageous of Her Majesty to take part [in the short film] and was one of the highlights, not just for Britain, but for the world.'

Also present were Andrew and his daughter Princess Beatrice, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Zara Phillips, who won a team silver in the Olympic Equestrian competition, joined her fellow competitors and helped introduce them to her grandmother the Queen.