Kate Middleton appeared cool, calm and collected today in her first official public appearance in the United Kingdom since photos of her reportedly sunbathing topless spread across the Internet and gossip magazines throughout Europe last month.

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The Duchess of Cambridge wore a burgundy, tiered skirt and matching jacket by designer Paule Ka as she appeared alongside her husband, Prince William, at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in England with the rights to "call men and women to the bar," or allow them to practice law in England, according to its website.

The couple, who celebrated their one-year anniversary in April, used the occasion to announce a new, eponymous series of scholarships for law students in financial need or who have overcome adversity in their studies.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Scholarships will be set up alongside already established funds in the names of Queen Elizabeth II , the Queen Mother and Prince William's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The young couple, both 30, appeared relaxed and comfortable, according to local media reports, laughing with each other as they signed the guest book and happily greeting the gathered law students and officials.

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The appearance was a far cry from the media reports that have said the couple are stressed after dealing with the fallout from the publication of topless photos of Middleton reportedly sunbathing while on vacation with William at a secluded, private French chateau just before the start of their tour of Asia.

The photos, which the royal family took swift legal action against, were published in a French magazine while the couple was on the well-received tour and have appeared in as many as five magazines since. While Middleton and William continued with their tour of Asia as scheduled, and Kate made a solo appearance back in the United Kingdom at a friend's wedding late last month, today's event marked the first time the pair were together for an official engagement in the United Kingdom since the scandal broke.