Duchess Kate attends Dippy the Diplodocus send-off in a new L.K.Bennett dress

The Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise visit to the Natural History Museum (NHM) for a children's tea party to give Dippy the Diplodocus – one of the museum’s best recognised exhibits – a royal send-off.

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She joined primary children for dino-inspired crafts and a mini fossil dig in her role as patron of NHM.

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The Duchess then joined the museum’s director Sir Michael Dixon to cut a celebratory cake to bid farewell to the 21.3 metre plaster-cast Diplodocus, which is set to leave its coveted spot at the entrance to the museum for a nationwide tour.

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Kate stepped out for today's royal send-off in a new dress by one of her favourite high street brands, L.K.Bennett. She wore the label's 'Cersei' evergreen silk dress (£375).

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The midi dress features a sheer neckline and sleeves, and is crafted from a luxe silk-blend chiffon with textured velvet print. It is currently in stock at LK Bennett (UK) and John Lewis.

This number is reminiscent of the brand's Addison dress which she wore for dinner with the Obamas back in April.

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Kate teamed the dress with a new pair of textured grey heels from a brand we have not seen her wear before.  She premiered the Hugo Boss 'Staple P90-L' embossed leather pumps (£315) in the Anthracite colourway. The Italian-made BOSS pumps have a pointed-toe box and 9 cm stiletto heel. They are made from embossed calf-skin leather and feature a branded bar-shaped ornament at the heel.

She finished the look with her KIKI 'Lauren' Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Leaf Earrings.

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