Kate Middleton joined Prince William to host a reception marking the start of the UK-Africa Investment Summit this evening.

The couple welcomed guests of honour to Buckingham Palace, with this believed to be Prince William's first solo reception after the Queen asked him to host the major occasion.

The Duke of Cambridge held an audience with President @PaulKagame ?? of Rwanda.

This evening The Duke and Duchess, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, will host a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit #InvestInAfrica pic.twitter.com/4MVgYtBmdx — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 20, 2020

It's thought that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were initially meant to attend but in light of their decision to step down as senior royals, Harry is now believed to be on his way to Vancouver to join his wife and son. Last night, Harry spoke at length of how he and Meghan were left with no other option but to leave the family. However this evening, all eyes were on William and Kate. Kate dressed in a statement red ensemble for the occasion, opting for a sparkly Needle & Thread dress which she paired with Gianvitto Rossi courts in the same shade, a shoe brand she's grown particularly fond of over the years. The full-length Aurora Gown is priced at €550 with the suede heels retailing for a similar amount.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosting the UK Africa investment summit at Buckingham Palace .#KateMiddleton #PrinceWilliam #DukeandDuchessofCambridge pic.twitter.com/TdGsl5xi6D

— ??Catherine_thegreat_duchess (@duchesskatemid) January 20, 2020

Her signature bouncy blow-dry finished the look and it's fair to say that Kate Middleton looks impeccable with both her and William sporting ear-to-ear smiles at tonight's events. Over the past few weeks, the royal family have participated in talks with Prince Harry, Prince William, Prince Charles and the Queen attending a meeting in Sandringham last week. The outcome of this is that Prince Harry and Meghan will now step back from all royal duties, stop using public funds and forego their HRH tites, the new model is expected to take place at some point this spring.