While we’d typically be spending the evening in front of the telly watching Dancing on Ice, on this Sunday evening Grazia is on a rather royal red carpet. Yep, we’re at the London premiere of ‘War Horse’, the Steven Spielberg-directed film about a err, horse in the war – and who should be gracing the red carpet alongside us? None other than the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton *curtsies*

As she arrived on the arm of Prince William, the Duchess was met by a deafening cheer from the crowds lining Leicester Square – as well as a hoard of staff who dashed down the red carpet armed with umbrellas. But a spot of rain isn’t going to put Kate off and she looks polished and perfect in a floor-length Temperley London dress. Of course, not a hair is out of place on her royal head – she's wearing her brunette tresses loose, in all their glossy glory.

The gown is made of black lace over a nude underlay and features lace sleeves and a V-neck, recalling the Alexander McQueen wedding dress of a certain Royal Wedding. Kate's elegantly accessorised the look with a black velvet band clinching her waist and a matching clutch featuring an oversized bow by Mascaró, which she sported at the Sun Military Awards last month. As for the bling, she's wearing nothing but her engagement ring and a delicate silver bracelet. Chic! Clarence House has informed Grazia that Alice Temperley custom made the gorgeous gown for the Duchess and it is inspired by the upcoming Pre Fall 2012 Temperley London collection [below].

Pre Fall 2012 Temperley London collection

Temperley London is fast proving to be one of Kate’s favourite frock-makers. You’ll remember the DoC wore a pleated white number by the British designer at Wimbledon earlier this year as well as an embroidered Alice by Alice Temperley shirt with bootcut jeans with a cowboy hat for her trip to Calgary. And cast your mind back to those pre-Royal Wedding days when Kate chose to wear Temperley London for her first official appearance since announcing her engagement.

Kate Middleton wearing Temperley London

And Kate isn't the only glossy-haired Middleton who has a penchant for Temperley. Who could forget when little sister Pippa sealed her ‘Royal Hotness’ status with an emerald green Temperley gown for the Royal Wedding evening reception? This was followed by Pippa bagging a ticket to the designer’s Spring / Summer 2012 show during London Fashion Week in September, sitting on the front row alongside Hollywood heavyweight Rosario Dawson.

‘They are brilliant girls — good Brit stock,’ Alice Temperley has previously said of the Middleton sisters. ‘It’s refreshing, because there’s this whole world of celebrities, but they are so well mannered and polite. They are true British girls, and they are very good ambassadors for British fashion and what we represent.’ Well, the proof is in the pudding.

Granted, it’s not often you see a princess on the red carpet, but tonight’s swanky event is extra special because it’s held in aid of ‘The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry’. 600 serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families were invited to the premiere, alongside beneficiaries of military charities, with which the Princes are working. As for tomorrow, Kate will be busy celebrating her 30th birthday — and we couldn't imagine a better way to polish off her 29th year.

** UPDATE ** Grazia Daily has just been on the phone to our lovely friends at Mascaro who tell us that Kate bought the clutch she was sporting tonight from their store. 'It is truly an honour that Kate has chosen Mascaro on more than one occasion,' they exclusively revealed. 'We are all really overwhelmed and very grateful; she has looked fantastic and teamed it with some beautiful pieces. The clutch has really worked for her. The Duchess also chose to wear Mascaro heels on Christmas day which was fantastic to see.'

The company was founded in Menorca in 1918 as a workshop making handmade ballet slippers. Today, Mascaro has 47 stores worldwide selling their three main trademarks: Jaime Mascaro, Ursula Mascaro and Pretty Ballerinas. And the Duchess' choice holds a particularly personal for reference. 'I created the brand am a big fan of the monarchy plus my father studied at St Andrews University like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,' Ursula reveals. 'The greatest accolade in my opinion would one day to be granted a royal warrant for the brand.' We're keeping our fingers crossed for you!