Karwai Tang/WireImageKate Middleton took a big step in her reign as the Duchess of Cambridge on Tuesday...she went on her first-ever solo trip!
Yes, the 34-year-old royal is currently visiting the Netherlands for a one-day visit without Prince William, marking the first time she's traveled abroad for royal duties without her husband.
In the first photos from the visit, Kate looked confident and beautiful while wearing a pastel blue Catherine Walker suit, which she accessorized with a pair of pearl earrings she borrowed from the Queen as well as a pair of nude pumps. She wore her hair in a low chignon that perfectly topped off the look.
Kate's first order of business was to meet with King Willem Alexander for lunch at Villa Eikenhorst—the royal residence he shares with wife, Queen Maxima, and their three daughters. The Dutch monarch greeted Kate outside his home, and she followed royal protocol by showing her respects with a curtsy. The pair then made their way inside to pose for photos.
Some royal commentators believe Kate will be an asset in helping to safeguard the UK's relations with its European neighbors as the British exit from the European union continues to play out over the next several years.
Meanwhile, Kate was originally supposed to take her first solo trip to Malta in 2014 while she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte. However, she was suffering from terrible morning sickness and Prince William had to take her place.
The Duchess most recently returned from the family's royal tour of Canada earlier this month, which marked the first time she and Prince William traveled with both their little ones, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.