Duchess Kate steps out in royal red for solo theatre trip

Catherine has proved she's the ultimate red carpet royal once again by stepping out in a showstopping red dress for the opening night of a West End show in London.

The Duchess was treated to the very first public performance of the musical 42nd Street which stars Sheena Easton. She watched the show from the royal box as patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. The cast are currently raising money for the charity which hopes to build a new hospice near the Duchess' home in Norfolk.

Kate looked every inch the A-lister in a full-skirted, red Marchesa Notte dress with matching shoes and clutch bag as she arrived at the theatre in central London.

Before the performance she chatted with sick children and their families who have been helped by the charity.

One little boy, who suffers from a chronic bowel and stomach condition, said he couldn't wait to meet Catherine.

"She’s very pretty and I want to talk to her about the hospice and how I like going there", 12-year-old Ollie Duell told reporters at the event.

"I also want to tell her about Pokemon".