Kate Middleton at In Kind Direct Ball

Kate Middleton attended her first solo royal engagement last night, when she filled in for her father-in-law Prince Charles at a charity ball at Clarence House. Prince Charles couldn't make it to the event for In Kind Direct, a charity he founded, because he had to go to the Middle East to pay his respects to the Saudi royal family after the passing of their crown prince. Officially a part of the royal family for six months now, Kate looked comfortable mingling with guests, and she even took a fashion risk, for her, baring more skin than usual in a vintage Amanda Wakeley. As it was her first engagement without her seasoned husband, Prince William, Kate may have been feeling a little nervous. But a palace spokesman said, "She was so pleased that her first solo engagement was for the Prince of Wales, who has shown her so much support over the years." Way to win some points with the new family, Kate! See some photos now.