Kate's stunning night out at the gala: all the photos

March 29, 2017Mar 29, 2017, 11:11 AM GMT+1

Kate Middleton smiling and holding a gold clutch in an art gallery.

The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out for a solo engagement on Tuesday night - attending the National Portrait Gallery's 2017 Portrait Gala. Kate, who was attending in her role as patron of the iconic London museum, looked stunning on her official night out.

She kicked off the event with a reception, where she viewed the newest exhibitions, followed by the gala dinner. Kate, 35, had the chance to mingle with a selection of guests, many of whom will have contributed to this important event. She was also introduced to Richard Found and Jane Suitor, fellow parents from Thomas's school in Battersea, where Prince George is due to start in September.

"We were chatting about Thomas's, the school George will be going to," said Mr Found afterwards, adding: "We're parents there as well. She just said 'I may see you at the school gates.'"

Kate Middleton in a green gown and Nicholas Cullinan in a black tuxedo at an event.

The royal was dressed to impress, wearing a floor length dark green Temperley dress that featured delicate lace detailing.

Kate Middleton in a green lace gown, holding a clutch, walking outside a building.

Kate paired her gown with a glitzy gold clutch, and wore her hair down in loose curls, with natural make-up to complete the look.

Kate Middleton smiling, wearing a green lace dress, holding a clutch, and posing for photos.

She accessorised with a pair of special edition earrings by Kiki McDonough, that featured pink tourmaline, green amethyst and pave diamond earrings in 18ct yellow gold.

Kate Middleton and Nicholas Cullinan descending a staircase at an event.

Kate was greeted by National Portrait Gallery Director Nicholas Cullinan and warmly welcomed to the musem.

Two women, one in a black dress and the other in a white dress, shake hands at an event. Several people, including a man in a tuxedo, stand nearby.

Among the VIP guests was model Alexa Chung, who attended the lavish bash with her father Philip.

A woman in a black dress examines art pieces on a wall at an event.

Kate, who studied history of art at university, viewed two exhibitions: Howard Hodgkin: Absent Friends and Gillian Wearing and Claude Cahun: Behind the mask, another mask.

The mum-of-two took a closer look at some of the ten masks that were created especially for the evening by the likes of Dame Vivienne Westwood and Philip Treacy, to help raise funds for the museum.

Kate Middleton in a green dress stands by art, talking to another woman.

Artist Gillian Wearing toured her around the exhibition, and explained the significance of the works featured.

Nicholas Cullinan in a black tuxedo stands next to a woman in a black gown in front of a colorful painting.

The 2017 Gala was fundraising for Coming Home, a project that will make it possible for portraits of iconic individuals to return to places that are special to them for a loan period of over three years. Coming Home will enable sitters such as Sir Walter Raleigh to return to Dorset, the Brontë sisters to Yorkshire and David Beckham to Essex.

Kate Middleton in a green gown and a man in a black tuxedo at a gala.

The Duchess posed alongside Chair of Trustees William Proby at the start of the event.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, smiling in a green lace top and gold earrings.

Kate has visited the museum various times before. This was the second gala she has attended.

As in previous years, the funds raised directly supported the National Portrait Gallery's work in delivering inspirational exhibitions and displays, offering unique learning opportunities and undertaking world class research.