Kate made a sparkly return to the “formal engagement” game at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London to honour African wildlife and environmental conservation.

According to fashion commentators and royal watchers, the 31-year-old mother to the future King of the Commonwealth hasn’t lost any black tie match fitness.

Kate Middleton is back on the red carpet... and looking better than ever, if you ask us! http://t.co/ZoBaKFWiZP pic.twitter.com/AiYHQtb0aZ — Marie Claire (@marieclaire) September 12, 2013

The Duchess wore a silver, sequinned floor-length gown by Jenny Packham, sky-high Jimmy Choo silver stilettos and a diamond cuff.

Her trademark glossy locks were typically blown out and had more volume than the baby Prince according to Prince William, who reportedly told journalists the bub has “a voice to match any lion’s roar”.

Packham, who was also responsible for creating the polka dot, baby doll dress Kate wore when she left the hospital and introduced baby George to the world in late July, said the gown featured a “wide neckline, cap sleeves list icon form-fitting top, softly draped skirt”.

The designer created the bespoke gown while finalising her Picnic At Hanging Rock-inspired spring/summer 2014 collection, which was unveiled at New York Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The inaugural Tusk Trust awards gala was the first time Prince William and Kate have had a night out without the baby.

The royal couple, who are expected to step up their royal duties in the coming months, have hired William’s former nanny – 71-year-old Jessie Webb.

Prior to walking the red carpet, Kensington Palace announced Prince William was clipping his wings as a search and rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force and leaving the military after seven years of active service to focus on his charity work and family.

“The Duke of Cambridge is currently involved in a number of initiatives to expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of protecting endangered species and habitats,” an official statement said.

It is believed he will also spend time working with charities that focus on helping children and war veterans.

His first assignment involved filming an advertisement this week with friend and ex-football star David Beckham, which aims to reducing global demand for rhino horn and ivory. It will air around the world.

The heir to the throne’s more hands on approach to royal life comes as the Queen continues to scale back her official engagements.