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Flying solo: Kate back to business as William mourns nanny

Flying solo: Kate back to business as William mourns nanny

The Duchess is preparing for solo engagements as William attends his dear Nanny's funeral

The Duchess of Cambridge has made her first public appearance in the UK since she and William returned from their tour of South East Asia, clouded by scandal after topless pictures of Kate surfaced.

Kate was happy and collected by her husband’s side as they attended their first engagement on home soil since returning, brushing aside legal issues as her lawyers continue to pursue action against the French magazine that originally published the images.

Related: William and Kate win fight to ban topless photos

Attending a function for the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, Kate proved she was determined to get back to business as she prepares for local visits on her own later in the week as William leaves her side to attend the funeral of his beloved Nanny Olga Powell.

Mrs Powell cared for William and Harry for 15 years through their parent’s divorce and the death of their mother princess Diana, describing the princes “like my grandsons”.

The 82-year-old passed away after a heart attack last week and had been very close to both William and Harry up until her death, attending all the major events in their lives including the royal wedding last year.

“Given the significant role that Mrs Powell played in the Princes’ lives, The Duke wished to pay his respects in person,” St James’ Palace announced yesterday.

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William will represent the family as his brother Harry continues his tour of duty in Afghanistan, unable to take leave for the funeral.

While the Duke is away, Kate will carry on with four visits in Tyne, Wear, and Stockton-on-Tees on her own, meeting a host of community and charity workers in what will be one of her greatest challenges since commencing her royal duties.

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