It may have been an informal barbeque, but the Duchess of Cambridge looked every inch the princess this evening in Ottawa.
She wore a bird-print dress by one of her favourite designers, Issa, for the dinner with 120 of the cream of Canadian youth at the Governor-General's 175 room mansion, Rideau Hall.
Unfortunately, the weather was not quite so pleasant and the heavens opened just as the event kicked off.
All change: The Duchess of Cambridge in a Smythe blazer, left, and a bird print outfit by Issa,
Amazing lace: Catherine referenced both Britain and Canada in the dress by Erdem Moralioglu, who was born in Montreal, but bases his label in London. His fans include Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama
It was a sartorial hat-trick for the 29-year-old, who chose a navy lace Erdem dress to touch down in Ottawa with her husband, Prince William, for her first overseas tour as a Royal wife.
Not only was it a stylish choice, it was a diplomatic one too. Erdem Moralioglu is based in London but was born in Canada, so it carefully references both nations.
The half-Turkish designer is also hot fashion property. His designs are a favourite with first ladies Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama, as well as celebrities including Thandie Newton and Gwyneth Paltrow.
He is known for his feminine floral prints, though a single dress can cost upwards of £1,500.
The Duchess's dress is from the designer's resort 2012 collection, so is likely to be a sample, as stock will not hit stores until early next year.
Meet and greet: Kate mixed with the young Canadian volunteers inside after the barbecue was rained off
Enthusiastic: Kate changed into her third outfit while her husband sported an open necked-shirt
Arriving in style: The couple's Canadian tour is Catherine's first official overseas trip as a Royal wife
But given that she is known for her glossy dark locks, it seems it could well have been designed with her in mind.
Mr Moralioglu described the collection as 'eerily composed' when it launched to the press last month.
He told Style.com: 'This is my brunette collection. Visconti trumps Hitchcock.'
Catherine wisely kept her accessories simple in nude patent platform pumps and a coordinating clutch bag.
Official welcome: The Royal couple shake hands with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird
A natural: The Duchess again displayed her affection for children as she spent several minutes talking to Kellen Schlever, who presented her with a beautiful posy of pink roses
Her hair, which would have been styled on-board by her hairdresser, James Pryce, was in a demi-chignon. It was a smart decision, keeping it free from her face despite the blustery breeze at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Catherine also won style points on her departure from London this morning, in an elegant navy Roland Mouret shift, Smythe blazer Manolo Blahnik heels and a new-season Mulberry handbag.
Picture perfect: Catherine has already mastered the Royal wave, and she and William beamed for the crowds
Overwhelming affection: Catherine shook hands and clutched flowers from Royal fans lining the streets
The fact that she is not be travelling with a stylist or even a dresser is a mark of her confidence when it comes to fashion. She and her husband have a staff of just seven people for their tour of Canada and the U.S.
In lieu of a professional fashion expert, she has been taking Amy Eastell, the PA to her husband's private secretary, on shopping trips.
She has been spotted at Alexander McQueen’s store in Clerkenwell, London, and Belgravia boutique Emilia Wickstead, where she bought off-the-peg, with prices starting at £350.
Style points: On her departure from London this morning, Catherine wore an elegant navy Roland Mouret shift, Smythe blazer, Manolo Blahnik heels and a new-season Mulberry handbag
A source said Kate had also asked top designers to send clothes to look at. They said: 'She may well borrow clothes instead of buying to cut the costs of the tour.'
The source added: 'She’s planning on wearing one outfit a day unless she has an evening event.'
She is also believed to have used style advisers at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Her decision to buy her clothes at high-end retailers indicates that she may be stepping away from her favourite High Street labels, such as Reiss, Whistles and LK Bennett, in favour of designer pieces.
THE U.S. AND CANADA ROYAL TOUR ITINERARY
- June 30-July 2: The National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec)
The Duke and Duchess will take part in Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on July 1
They will meet local children afterattending the midday Canada Day concert on Ottawa's Parliament Hill
- July 2: Montreal
The pair will be in town for the final Saturday of the Montreal Jazz Festival
They will meet and cook with catering students
- July 3: Quebec City
William and Catherine will spend the day in Quebec City, before moving on to Charlottetown
- July 3-4: Prince Edward Island
Farmhouse which inspired the book 'Anne Of Green Gables', in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
The couple will meet the Premier of Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz and his wife, who is also called Kate
They will compete against each other in a dragonboat race on one of the island's lakes
William and Kate will visit Province House, the birthplace of Confederation
They will meet the Confederation Centre Young Company, agroup of young actors from every Canadian province and territory
Before leaving the island, Kate will take a trip down memory lane at Dalvay By The Sea, the charming 1890s seaside resort on the island that was featured in the Anne of Green Gables television series - one of her favourites
Prince William will co-pilot a helicopter that will land on the sea
- July 4-6: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
The pair will meet some Canadian Rangers in Yellowknife
- July 6-8: Calgary, Alberta
William and Catherine will be 'white hatted,' or presented with white cowboy headgear, at The Calgary Stampede world-famous rodeo
- July 8: Los Angeles, United States
Prince William playing polo at Chester racecourse
During their three-day visit to California, the royal couple will stay at the British consul-general's residence in the historic Hancock Park district of Los Angeles
On Friday night the couple will be the guests of honor at a Consular-General Reception held by the United Kingdom Trade and Investment.
- July 9: Los Angeles, United States
In the afternoon, Prince William is expected to play at the Santa Barbara Polo Club in a charity match - the Foundation Polo Cup - to benefit the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry with the Duchess presenting the winners' trophy
That evening, Catherine and William will attend a reception and dinner at the 1926 Belasco Theatre in downtown LA put on by the BAFTAs
- July 10: Los Angeles, United States
On Sunday, the couple will visit the Inner-City Arts School, an organisation helping children from a deprived neighbourhood in downtown L.A.
They will then go to Culver City's Sony Studios, where they'll visit the Service Nation: Mission Serve job fair.
Catherine and William will fly back to the UK from LAX
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