The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were the guests of honor at the inaugural Tusk Conservation Awards this evening.
Members of the media lined the streets to photograph the couple and report on the event.
Prince William became patron of conservation charity Tusk Trust in December 2005 and has been supporting their work through a series of public engagements and behind the scenes work since. It is undoubtedly one of the charities he is most passionate about. William recently said he feels "very protective of wildlife. You want to stand up for what is vulnerable and needs protecting. Elephants, rhinos, and many others animals that are persecuted don't have a voice." William proposed to Kate in Kenya, and supporting Tusk Trust and Africa is obviously very important to them both.
Both he and Kate looked very happy as they arrived at the gala. The event marked Kate's second official appearance since Prince George was born seven weeks ago.
It has been a busy week for the couple who left Anglesey, North Wales for the final time earlier this week, Prince William completed his final shift at RAF Valley on Tuesday, bringing his three year posting on the isle to an end.
Before the awards, the Cambridges met finalists and guests including Ronnie Wood and host Kate Silverton at a private reception.
The Tusk Conservation Awards aim to highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals working within the field of conservation. From practical field work to successful environmental education, these awards recognise the achievements of individuals who are ensuring the future of Africa and bringing the challenges faced by the continent to a global audience.
Prince William presented the two annual awards.
The Prince William Award For Conservation In Africa - Awarded to a distinguished individual for their outstanding dedication and exceptional contribution to conservation in Africa over a minimum of ten years. It is very much considered a lifetime achievement award.
The Tusk Award For Conservation In Africa - Awarded to an individual with a minimum of five years experience who has demonstrated a considerable commitment to conservation and has already made a significant impact. The award recognises an up-and-coming conservationist whose work shows real promise.Tusk Trust shared this message about their patron.
William presenting Clive Stockil with his award for lifetime commitment.
The awards were held at The Royal Society in London, a learned society for science, which is thought to be the oldest such society still in existence. Founded in 1660 it was granted a Royal Charter (a formal document issued by a monarch, granting a right or power to an individual or body) by King Charles II as 'The Royal Society of London'. Today the society acts as a scientific advisor to the government, receiving a parliamentary grant-in-aid. It seemed a perfect choice of venue for the awards.
Rebecca English shared a photo from outside the Royal Society, which was appropriately decorated for the event. ;)
The Duke and Duchess enjoyed chatting with the other guests.
The couple told guests it was the first time they had left Baby George at home with nanny Jessie Webb and in William's short speech he spoke of bringing his son to Africa someday.
'Catherine and I have recently become proud parents of a baby who has a voice to match any lion's roar. This is our first evening out without him... please excuse us if you see us nervously casting surreptitious glances at mobiles. Catherine and I very much hope to introduce him to East Africa - a place we known and love - in the fullness of time. Like any new parents, our thoughts inevitably turn to the world that our child will inherit. It is unfathomable to imagine a world in which children who have been born in the past couple of months may grow up in a world in which rhinoceros have ceased to live in the wild.The possibility of extinction is bad enough for one of our children growing up here in the West, who will never experience the magic of seeing a rhino; or even for my own little George, who Catherine and I very much hope to introduce to east Africa – a place we know and love – in the fullness of time. But for a child growing up in Africa and whose birth-right and economic inheritance these creatures are, it is nothing more than immoral that he or she may never experience what his parents and grandparents knew and treasured.'
The glittering Duchess stole the show in a sequin gown by the one and only Jenny Packham, a designer that has been a great favorite of Catherine While the dress looks a million dollars, you may be surprised to hear it's from the designer's diffusion line No.1 By Jenny Packham For Debenhams. It originally retailed for £225 before being reduced to £180, and it is now sold out.
The gown is embroidered with shiny sequins and features a high round neck and drop waist. The luxurious garment exudes old Hollywood glamour. It was a fantastic choice for the glamorous event; somewhat similar to the rose Packham gown she chose for the ARK Gala back in 2011.
A look at the back of the dress.
Kate chose her Jimmy Choo 'Vamp' Sandals for this event. I was honestly expecting that she would wear this particular pair, as she has worn them to several glitzy occasions in the past. They are described as follows.
"Crisscrossing straps of glitter-infused fabric encase the foot in a chic, breezy platform sandal.
- Adjustable strap with buckle closure.
- Approx. heel height: 4 1/2" with a 1" platform (comparable to a 3 1/2" heel).
- Fabric and leather upper/leather lining and sole."
Kate chose to pair her dress with this diamond bracelet, which is believed to have been a wedding gift from Prince Charles.
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