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After a day spent celebrating her son and his royal lineage, the Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a night out on her own, attending a charity gala sponsored by a women's professional association.

Kate, 31, dazzled in a black, sleeved gown that was much more evening-appropriate than the understated but elegant Alexander McQueen cream suit and matching Jane Taylor hat the new mom wore to the christening of her first child, Prince George, on Wednesday in London.

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At this event, Kate, who wore her long hair down in loose curls, was the guest of honor at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala to benefit Action on Addiction , an addiction charity of which Kate is a patron.

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While it is unknown who watched baby George while Kate was away, the new mom was not far from home. The glamorous event was held at the State Apartments at Kensington Palace, the same grounds where Kate and her husband, Prince William, are setting up residence in the newly renovated Apartment 1A.

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The charity dinner marked another step in Kate's easing back into professional royal life since giving birth to Prince George in July at St. Mary's Hospital in London.

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Kate made her first public appearance since Prince George's birth in late August when she came as William's surprise guest at the kickoff of the 135-mile Ring O' Fire marathon in Anglesey, North Wales.

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A few weeks later, the duchess stepped out for her first red carpet appearance, accompanying Prince William to a dinner at the Royal Society in London to benefit the Tusk Trush, a conservation charity of which William is a patron.

Last Friday, Kate wowed onlookers when she stepped out for another charity event, this one on a volleyball court.

Just three months after giving birth, Kate showed off a remarkably flat stomach and her athletic ability, jumping in to play volleyball in wedge heels. The duchess attended the event, her first solo, post-birth engagement, as a new patron of Sportsaid, the seventh charity of which she is now a royal patron.

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