This Article is From Dec 19, 2010

Prince William and Kate at cancer charity fundraiser

Prince William and Kate at cancer charity fundraiser
Norfolk: Kate Middleton made her first public appearance on Saturday night since announcing her engagement to Prince William, joining him at a cancer charity fundraising event in Norfolk.

It marked a transition for Kate as she made the first of what are expected to be many public appearances for a variety of good causes.

28-year-old Kate is not officially part of the royal family until her marriage next year, but this week she joined Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the family's inner circle at a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, signalling her new status.

She wore an elegant black and white dress cut just above the knee to the charity event, braving high heels despite the slippery conditions as much of England was blanketed with snow.

The outfit was topped with a fitted black jacket and a small black handbag.

Kate and William received some applause as they walked past well-wishers into the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, where he was the guest of honour.

It had been rumoured for days that Middleton would attend as well, adding to the excitement surrounding the annual event.

Richard Wintle, a cameraman who specialises in filming the royal family, thought Kate did really well at her first public appearance.

"She seemed to be enjoying it and waving at the crowd. She'll do, she'll do," he said.

Money raised from the show will be used to help pay for construction of a special cancer unit at a hospital in Cambridge.

During intermission, William and Kate planned to meet with a group of young cancer patients from the greater Norfolk region.

The choice of a cancer charity for Middleton's first event is seen as a possible indication of the type of charities she may focus on as she develops her royal role.

The couple are to be married at Westminster Abbey on April 29 after a lengthy courtship.
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