The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a stunning gown tonight as she attended a lavish dinner thrown by the rulers of Malaysia at the start of a four day visit to the country.
In line with religious protocol Kate kept the tops of her arms covered and wore a floor length dress.
The couple were guests of His Majesty The Agong, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdul, Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah, and his wife Her Majesty The Queen, Raja Persaisuri Agong, Tuanku Haminah binti Hamidun.
The couple were first invited to sign a visitor's book before walking into heavily brocaded Seri Mahkota Hall or audience room.
As they waited for their hosts to arrive William and Kate chatted with the Prime Minister and his wife.
When the King and Queen arrived, Kate elegantly offered each of them a low curtsey.
William proceeded to chat with the King while Kate stooped as she exchanged pleasantries with his wife.
After a few minutes polite chat they moved on to another room where they posed for a group photograph and the Duke and Duchess received gifts.
The meal was described as a 'fushion' of English and Asian cuisine.
Malaysia has had a constitutional monarchy since it gained independence in 1957 - and it is one of just a handful in the world which is elected. In Malaysia's constitutional monarchy, the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is largely ceremonial, although he does appoint the Prime Minister from among elected members of Parliament. The current Agong, aged 83, has ruled since December 2011 after he was elected by the Conference of Rulers, the second time he has taken the throne.
The Duke and Duchess will spend the next two days in Kuala Lumpur before moving onto Borneo for the next stage of their Diamond Jubilee tour.
david kingstrom
