Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen welcomed world leaders to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. The reception was hosted as part of a two-day NATO summit taking place in London.

Kate wore a stylish green dress for the reception, honouring the NATO Alliance’s 70th anniversary.

The festive long-sleeve dress is made by one of her go-to designers, Emilia Wickstead.

Notably lacking from the reception was Kate’s husband Prince William, brother-in-law Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.

Instead, the Duchess was accompanied by her private secretary Catherine Quinn.

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The Duke of Cambridge is abroad on an official trip to the Middle East on request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, however, are currently on a six week break from royal duties.

According to reports, the two have been spending quality time with son Archie Harrison in the US.

Left to fend for herself at last night’s NATO Palace reception, Kate showed just how far she’s come since first marrying into the royal family as she offered the Queen some support for the occasion.

Kate has already begun preparing for her future role as Queen Consort – a title she will earn when her husband William becomes King.

Over the years, Kate has made subtle changes when making fashion choices, according to stylist Melita Latham.

The Duchess has swapped out casual looks for lace garments and more conservative pieces, suggesting the mum-of-three is preparing for a more important royal role

Ms Lathan told Express.co.uk: “ Long gone are the figure flattering, sheer summer dresses, only to be replaced with stylish, heavier, figure covering suits.

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“Some ensembles, almost military in appearance, Kate’s wardrobe is certainly leaning towards that of her husband’s grandmother.

“Even during recent royal engagements during the summer months, bare arms, replaced with lace and veil.”

It is believed the Queen has been getting Kate – and Camilla, who could be Queen Consort when Prince Charles becomes King – up to speed for her future role.

Speaking to Us Weekly, royal reporter Rebecca English said: “Kate’s been taking on new responsibilities little by little over the last few years, so it won’t be a shock when the time comes.

“William and Kate are the favourite royals to take the crown in many generations, so the people of the UK are very excited about it.”

A source added: “She’s really taken Kate under her wing. The two of them will often spend hours discussing royal life and the future of the monarchy.”

The NATO summit came as royal commentator Omid Scobie told Mail Online Meghan, Harry and Archie celebrated Thanksgiving last week in Los Angeles.

Speaking on The HeirPod Podcast, Mr Scobie said: “The Sussexes are away, they’re on their break right up until Christmas.

“They celebrated Thanksgiving privately with close family, which is lovely.”

The podcast also touched on the couple’s absence from this week’s reception for NATO leaders at Buckingham Palace.

Royal Producer at ITV News Lizzie Robinson added: “We know they’re away, they’re not even in the country.”

Mr Scobie added: “It’s a long-time trip that they’re on, I think we are really going to see them away until Christmas as far as I’m aware, which is good for them.”

The Sussexes are thought to have travelled to Los Angeles in the state of California.

This is where Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland lives and the two are known to be close.

Meghan and Harry are reportedly planning on staying in the city for a while, and spend Christmas with Ms Ragland.

In November it was confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their son would not be at Sandringham with the Queen.

The move has the Queen’s support and a Buckingham Palace statement said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.

“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, [the couple] will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria.”

The statement added: “This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”

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