LONDON -- Duchess Kate returned to her public duties with a black tie fundraising dinner in aid of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Officially known as the Duchess of Cambridge, the former Kate Middleton gave a short speech before guests including movie star Elizabeth Hurley and rocker Bryan Adams.

Kate wore a dark-colored, floor-length dress along with a diamond necklace loaned to her by her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.

Kate has been taking it easy on the social calendar since the birth of her son, Prince George, last year.