Kate Middleton looks radiant in an emerald Alexander McQueen gown while handing out awards with David Beckham

See Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen gown up close! »

Last week Sarah Burton said she would like to create custom maternity wear pieces for Kate Middleton and, low and behold, last night the Duchess made her first official post-pregnancy-announcement appearance in an Alexander McQueen gown. Though to be completely fair, there was barely a baby bump to be seen, making the dress less maternity wear and more custom order. The bell-sleeve gown—which featured peplum detailing and a flattering thigh-high slit—was a stunning shade of emerald green, chosen by Kate herself. (It was originally designed in black.) Meaning that not even extreme sickness can keep Kate Middleton from being on trend: Emerald is, after all, Pantone’s just-announced Colour of the Year for 2013.

Kate’s appearance—which took place at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards—was also a bit of a surprise, as almost all of her engagements had been cancelled after she fell ill with hyperemesis gravidarum. We’d like to imagine that the thought of getting to be on stage with David Beckham is what made her decide to go through with it, but in reality it was due to Kate’s well-documented love for sport and her role as an ambassador for the London 2012 Olympics. The nature of the event also made it easy for Kate Middleton to attend—she was reportedly there for just 45 minutes, enough time to sneak in, hand out two awards and then sneak back to the palace for further rest and relaxation. However, we must say: her perfectly styled hair, rosy cheeks and high Jimmy Choo black suede pumps all seemed to indicate that she’s feeling much better. So there just may be more Kate Middleton outfits to report on between now and Christmas.

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