Blooming Kate dresses the ever-so-tidy royal bump in designer baby blue dress as she visits National Portrait Gallery
- Duchess wore bespoke 50s style Emilia Wickstead cocktail dress
- Baby bump looked more obvious than ever in stunning gown
- She attended National Portrait Gallery to celebrate work of The Art Room
- Kate said she is 'firm believer in the power of art to make a difference'
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The Duchess of Cambridge was the epitome of elegance in pregnancy last night as she attended a champagne reception in London.
Kate, who is expecting her first baby in July, wore a bespoke powder blue 50s style Emilia Wickstead cocktail dress to an engagement at the National Portrait Gallery.
She also sported an impressively high pair of grey suede heels and had her hair curled and swept partly back from her face.
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Maternity chic: Kate's bump was more visible as she stepped out at the National Portrait Gallery this evening
Is the baby kicking? The Duchess pulled an unusual face as she stepped out of the car
Kate's small baby bump looked more obvious than ever in the stunning gown, which had a demure neckline but was daringly low at the back.
The Duchess was attending the event to celebrate the work of The Art Room, one of the first charities she took on as a working royal.
It helps school children - largely in deprived areas - to increase their self-esteem, self-confidence and independence through drawing, painting and modelling.
Designer style: The Duchess' dress was by Emilia Wickstead, one of her favourite designers, and had a daring low back
Waving to the crowds: The Duchess accessorised with diamond drop earrings
Last night was the launch of their Pledge for the Future appeal and a celebration to mark their 11th anniversary.
The Duchess took time to meet with some of the children who have benefited from charity's help as well as the staff who work with them.
In a speech she said praised the way in which it helped children stay within the education system 'and fulfil their potential'.
'I am a firm believer in the power of art to make a difference and The Art Room makes this on a daily basis,' she said.
VIDEO Kate shows off her baby bump as she arrives at charity event
Six months along: The Duchess' bump was more evident than ever as she met staff at The Art Room
Looking swell: Kate has been criticised for her small bump but it was clearly on show this evening
Julie Beattie, founder director of the charity, said: 'The Duchess's continued commitment and endorsement of our work has been an invaluable asset in securing the foundation and laying the path for future growth.'
Last night the charity announced the provision of two new projects in Ealing, west London, and Edinburgh.
Happy patron: Kate beamed as she met staff who work at the project which helps children increase their self-esteem through art
Busy mum-to-be: This is the third public engagement Kate has carried out this week
Glimpse at royalty: Crowds gathered to see the Duchess' arrival
Lovely locks: Kate had her hair curled and pulled back in a half up style
The Duchess has a carried out a clutch of public engagements this week despite her advancing pregnancy.
She stood in for the Queen at an event with the scouts on Sunday, was on the gritty Wythenshawe estate in Manchester on Tuesday and will be taking a tour of the Harry Potter film sets in Hertfordshire on Friday. Then on Monday next week she is due to visit a hospice in Hampshire.
Her speech last night was her second of the week - a sign that the Duchess is growing ever more confident in her public role.
Standing tall: Kate opted for high heels despite her pregnancy
A good likeness? Kate admires a painting of her husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry at the National Portrait Gallery
Admiration: The Duchess seemed impressed by the painting of her husband
Unveiled earlier this year: The Duchess' portrait by artist Paul Emsley is also on display at the National Portrait Gallery but many panned it for making her look old
She has also clearly been working on her technique, sounding less stilted and over dramatic than before.
The arts is an issue she is hugely passionate about, having studied history of art at St Andrews University and being a keen photographer.
In a speech the Duchess said: 'I am a firm believer in the power of art to make a difference and The Art Room is doing that on a daily basis.
Growing in confidence: The Duchess made a speech in which she sounded less stilted than usual
Support: Kate said, 'I am a firm believer in the power of art to make a difference'
'We all stand here tonight to celebrate this wonderful work. I hope that you will join me in congratulating The Art Room and their supporters on these extraordinary achievements.
'As patron of The Art Room, I feel immense pride to see the amazing work that they are doing but I also feel hugely excited to look to a future with more Art Rooms, where many more challenging and vulnerable children will be helped.'
Blooming: Kate carried a bouquet of flowers as she left
Homeward bound: The crowds and photographers were still out in force at the end of the evening
Bye: Kate smiled and waved as she was driven home
During the event Kate chatted to some children who have benefited from their classes.
Student Tiertha, 15, from Regent's School in Camden said: 'I have a picture of Kate on my bedroom wall in her wedding dress.
'I told her and she said 'wow' and she asked if William was in it as well and I said 'yes' and she said 'good'.'
Andrew, 13, said: 'She asked how the Art Room has affected me and I said it makes me feel calm for the weekend. I go for two hours on a Friday.'
Kate is also patron of the National Portrait Gallery, where her first official portrait hangs as well as several portraits of members of the Royal Family.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2314264/Kate-Middleton-pregnant-Duchess-Cambridge-dresses-royal-bump-designer-baby-blue-dress-visits-National-Portrait-Gallery.html#ixzz2RQEXwANW
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