Kate Middleton Joins Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles in Hosting NATO Leaders at Buckingham Palace
Kate Middleton steps out with Queen Elizabeth for a royal engagement without her husband, Prince William. The future Queen joined senior members of the royal family to host NATO leaders at Buckingham Palace.
In a rare appearance, Kate Middleton stepped out on her own to join Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles in welcoming 70 leaders from around the world in honor of NATO alliances.
The event was hosted by the Queen, who welcomed guests such as U.S President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Wearing conservative high neck, long-sleeved, and green dress, the Duchess was pictured mingling with guests during the reception at Buckingham Palace.
In recent months, multiple sources have revealed that Kate is finding more confidence as she works towards cementing her role as the future Queen of England.
It is said that "she is finding her voice" and starting to exude a very noticeable level of confidence in her public role. A source close to the royal family says:
"She is an adoring mother, and she is contributing publicly in the way we would want her to. You see it more and more. The young student has turned into our future Queen."
Kate Middleton mingles with world leaders at a reception for NATO 70th anniversary, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, on December 3, 2019 in London, England. | Source: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images.
According to PEOPLE, the event is part of a two- day meeting from Tuesday to Wednesday. It will focus on celebrating the 70th anniversary of NATO alliances.
Hosting it in England is a special honor because the country is one of NATO's 12 founding members. Shortly after it's establishment in 1949, London was the base to its first headquarters.
Prince William did not join Kate for the event. Days prior he jetted off to the Middle East where he has embarked on an official visit to Kuwait and Oman.
At the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office he will be taking part in a four-day program to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty between England and Kuwait.
Also noticeably absent from the event was Prince Andrew, who has stepped down from his royal duties, since facing backlash for his controversial interview about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Meghan Markle, who sources say, is supportive of Kate's future role as Queen did not attend. She and Prince Harry are off enjoying family time during their 6-week break from their royal duties.