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Kate Middleton stuns in cobalt gown as she hosts 40th anniversary SportsAid bash

Duchess hosts athletes at her Kensington Palace home

THE Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a sexy skin-tight dress last night at a black-tie charity dinner.

Kate wore a sexy £2,100 Roland Mouret number to host the 40th anniversary bash for SportsAid, of which she's patron, at her Kensington Palace home.

 Kate's £2,100 Roland Mouret gown matched her famous sapphire ring
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Kate's £2,100 Roland Mouret gown matched her famous sapphire ringCredit: PA:Press Association
 The Duchess hosted the 40th anniversary bash for SportsAid at her Kensington Palace home
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The Duchess hosted the 40th anniversary bash for SportsAid at her Kensington Palace homeCredit: PA:Press Association

But the Duchess, 34, wasn't doing the cooking.

Instead she met SportsAid ambassadors and athletes who'll be competing in August's Rio 2016 Olympics.

The reception was held in the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace, while the dinner was in the King's Gallery inside.

 The reception was held in the gardens of Kensington Palace
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The reception was held in the gardens of Kensington PalaceCredit: AP:Associated Press
 The Duchess met with SportsAid ambassadors and key supporters of the charity
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The Duchess met with SportsAid ambassadors and key supporters of the charityCredit: Getty Images

Kate has been the charity's patron since 2013 and it's helped fund British athletes at early stages in their career.

The Duchess met athletes such as Tanni-Grey Thompson and Sharron Davies as well as 18-year-old boxing hopeful Chantelle Reid.

 The charity helps fund athletes in the early stages of their career
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The charity helps fund athletes in the early stages of their careerCredit: PA:Press Association
 Kate mingled with athletes including Olympic medalist Sharron Davies
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Kate mingled with athletes including Olympic medalist Sharron DaviesCredit: AP:Associated Press

Tanni said: "It's fantastic having the Duchess as patron.

"What's amazing about her is that at events such as the Copper Box [when she played volleyball in her wedges October 2013] she's always the first to throw off her shoes and get stuck in as she's so fit and plays so much sport.

"She knows how important sport is and how it helps."

 Kate has been SportsAid’s patron since 2013
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Kate has been SportsAid’s patron since 2013Credit: Getty Images

Chantelle, from Derby, said: "I told the Duchess how much SportsAid has helped me with my funding, physio and nutrition.

"I get around £5,000 a year and I really hope to make it for Tokyo 2020."

Chantelle is one of the first to receive a "Backing the Best" grant which aims to reach those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

Almost two-thirds of the British team at London 2012 had been helped by SportsAid, winning 20 Olympic and 27 Paralympic gold medals between them.

Others who've been helped include Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah, Tom Daley, Denise Lewis, Chris Hoy, Steve Redgrave and Ellie Simmonds.