The Duchess of Cambridge looked every inch the confident royal as stepped out for her first solo public engagement.

Kate has reached the stage where she feels ready to take on a visit by herself, under the gaze of the press and public.

The royal arrived at the National Portrait Gallery, London for a preview of the Lucian Freud show that gives a comprehensive overview of the work of one of the greatest figurative painters of the late 20th century.

The visit came as St James’s Palace confirmed the duchess has agreed to a request from the gallery, of which she is patron, to pose for a portrait.

A Palace spokesman said: “The Duchess is happy to do it sometime in the future. There haven’t been any decisions about who the artist will be, this is being discussed.”

Kate stepped from her chauffeur-driven car wearing a dress by Jesire, a high street clothing range – a doublebreasted, 1950s-style grey gown in a marbled pattern.

The Duchass of Cambridge spent about an hour looking around the exhibition which open-ed to the public yesterday.