Will and Kate finally show their faces

It marked a transition for Middleton as she made the first of what are expected to be many public appearances for a variety of good causes.

Middleton, 28, is not officially part of the royal family until her marriage on April 29, but last week she joined Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the family's inner circle at a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, signalling her new status. Middleton and William received some applause as they walked past well-wishers into the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, where he was the guest of honour.

"She looked absolutely beautiful," said Sophie Pinsent, who portrayed an elf at the charity event and got a close-up look at the royal couple. "She was really lovely and they looked so happy together, so it was really nice. I thought it was so exciting."

Money raised will be used to help pay for construction of a special cancer unit at a hospital in Cambridge. The choice of a cancer charity for Middleton's first event is seen as a possible indication of the type of charities she may focus on as she develops her royal role, which remains undefined.

— AP