Duchess Kate and US First Lady show off designer outfits at London 2012

London, July 28 (ANI): The Duchess of Cambridge wore a dress designed by Christopher Kane at the Olympic opening ceremony in London, while Michelle Obama made a patriotic dress choice with US designer J. Mendel.

The US First Lady, was among almost 200 distinguished guests welcomed to the UK by the Queen the Duchess and other members of the Royal Family before the Olympics opening ceremony, the Telegraph reported.

Both are leading ladies in their own countries, so Obama and the Duchess could be expected to find a few things to chat about when they met at Buckingham Palace.

The US president's wife was among the party of world leaders and others welcomed to the UK by the Queen before the Olympics opening ceremony.ate played hostess, along with her husband the Duke of Cambridge and other members of the Royal Family.

With the fashion choices of both women closely watched by many at home and abroad, all eyes were on the outfits each sported for the occasion.

Fittingly, Kate flew the flag for British couture, opting for an ice-blue eau de nil satin fitted coat dress by home-grown designer Christopher Kane.

Although she is often happy to step out in high street labels, the outfit was custom-made for her for tonight's event, Elle magazine reported.

Obama also made a patriotic dress choice, turning out in a basque and white pleated skirt by US designer J. Mendel.

With both women dazzling at the glittering reception, the jury was out on who outshone whom, but fashion commentators at Grazia magazine described Kate's outfit as "a fitting ensemble for a meeting with America's First Lady."

Doing her bit for the special relationship again today, the Duchess offered Obama a warm greeting, giving her a big smile as she shook her hand.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were also joined by Prince Harry, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as they made the visiting presidents, prime ministers and princes feel at home.

The guests numbered around 190 and included Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who wants to end the tradition of her country having a British monarch as head of state.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also attended along with German President Joachim Gauck.

Other British royals at the reception included the Duke of York and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence. (ANI)

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