Kate Middleton joins the Queen and Camilla at dazzling Nato reception - best photos

Prince William was absent from the Buckingham Palace event

queen state reception

The Duchess of Cambridge joined the Queen and members of the royal family, as Her Majesty hosted a reception for Nato leaders at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night. Kate, 37, looked elegant dressed in a green gown with her brunette locks styled in lose waves. The Duchess attended the engagement without her husband Prince William, who is currently on a four-day tour of Kuwait and Oman.

MORE: Kate Middleton's Nata reception dress details revealed

Prince Edward's wife the Countess of Wessex was also absent, due to prior commitments, while the Earl himself was unable to attend as he was unwell. The reception marked 70 years of the Nato alliance, which was established in 1949 with 12 founding members – the UK included. Take a look at the best photos from the evening…

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The Queen looked lovely in a green printed dress as she chatted to guests at her Nato reception at Buckingham Palace. 

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Kate was all smiles as she chatted to guests at the Nato reception. The Duchess attended the royal event alone, while Prince William was away on his tour of Kuwait and Oman.

The Queen chatted to German Prime Minister Angela Merkel at the Nata reception on Tuesday evening. 

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The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall formally received their VVIP guests at Buckingham Palace.

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Princess Anne enjoyed chatting to Angela Merkel at the lavish Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening. 

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President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening hand-in-hand. Melania looked stylish dressed in a vibrant yellow dress with contrasting pink panels, teamed with co-ordinating heels.

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President Donald Trump and Melania Trump received a warm welcome from Prince Charles and Camilla on Tuesday evening. They had enjoyed an afternoon tea at Clarence House ahead of the reception.

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Camilla greeted Melania Trump with a kiss as they met at Buckingham Palace ahead of the evening's reception, which was also attended by the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Anne. 

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Prince Charles shook Melania Trump's hand as they met for the second time on Tuesday evening. 

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Her Majesty and Prince Charles posed for a group photograph with the Heads of State and Government.

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