The Cambridges & Prince Harry attend The Millies

Earlier this evening, London time, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry of Wales attended The Sun Military Awards at the Imperial War Museum.

The royal trio walked the red carpet to the delight of photographers, with the Duchess braving London’s 7°C night without a coat or shawl to cover her bare shoulders. Catherine wore a black velvet strapless evening gown designed by Alexander McQueen, and debuted a new piece of jewellery – a diamond and ruby necklace, reportedly a wedding gift.

During the awards ceremony, which will air on UK television on December 21st, Prince William and his wife presented Sergeant Ryan McCready of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment with the award for Most Outstanding Soldier, for his work in Afghanistan. Prince William told the audience that Sergeant McCready exemplifies the qualities of a British soldier: “courage, steadfastness, sense of humour, professionalism and a deep sense of humanity.” Prince Harry also took to the stage, delivering a speech which spoke of the extraordinary people that make up the Armed Forces, and the families that support them.

“It falls to 564673 Captain Wales humbly to express…the admiration we feel for the extraordinary men and women we honour here tonight.  It’s often said of our armed forces that they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Well, I don’t entirely buy that…No. You, the Millies nominees and winners, may feel ordinary — most extraordinary people I’ve met do. But you’re not. Even if you were once, you aren’t now.” Concluding with, “Your country is immensely proud of you,” he then presented the Support of the Armed Forces Millie to Walking With The Wounded, who had soldiers trek to the North Pole to raise funds to create the charity.

Also present for the awards were Prime Minister David Cameron – who hosted a reception for the awards nominees at 10 Downing Street earlier today – and his wife Samantha, David Beckham and his two eldest sons, Brooklyn and Romeo, and chef Gordon Ramsay.

HRH The Prince of Wales founded the awards, known as ‘The Millies’, in September 2008, to honour members of the British Armed Forces. They are held in conjunction with The Sun newspaper. Princes William and Harry represented their father at the 2009 ceremony.

Click here to read more about the Cambridges and Prince Harry’s attendance at the gala.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Awards, Celebrities, Military, Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom, Prince Harry of Wales, The Duchess of Cambridge, The Duke of Cambridge.