Duchess Kate and Prince William host glamorous reception for UK-Africa Investment Summit

<strong><A href=/tags/0/kate-middleton>Duchess Kate</a></strong>, <strong><a href=/tags/0/prince-william>Prince William</a></strong>, the <strong><a href=/tags/0/countess-of-wessex>Countess of Wessex</a></strong>, <strong><a href=/tags/0/prince-edward>Prince Edward</a></strong> and <strong><a href=/tags/0/princess-anne>Princess Anne</a></strong> looked happy and in their element as they hosted the UK-Africa Investment Summit reception at Buckingham Palace on Jan. 20. <p>The Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie both looked gorgeous in red dresses, while the Princess Royal chose a striking black-and-white plaid jacket on top of a black skirt. <p>Plenty of African heads of state and ministers were on hand for the event, which followed a full day of conferences at the Palace. <strong><A href=/tags/0/prince-harry>Prince Harry</a></strong> was there, meeting with several representatives in what may be his final official royal event before returning to Canada to rejoin <strong><a href=/tags/0/meghan-markle>Duchess Meghan</a></strong> and <Strong><a href=/tags/0/archie-harrison>Archie</a></strong>. <p><Strong>Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from the evening reception!</strong> <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate looked breathtaking in a stunning ruby red gown by <strong>Needle and Thread</strong>, which she paired with <strong><a href=/tags/0/gianvito-rossi>Gianvito Rossi</a></strong> red suede pumps and a matching clutch. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/PA via AP
Here's another look at Kate's gorgeous ensemble! <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
Kate was spotted chatting with the <strong><a href=/tags/0/countess-of-wessex>Countess of Wessex</a></strong>, who looked similarly stunning in red. It was Sophie's 55th birthday, and she looked excited and thrilled to be joining the event. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
Here's a closer look at Sophie's striking red outfit. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images
<strong><a href=/tags/0/prince-edward>Prince Edward</a></strong>, Sophie's husband, was also smiling as he made an appearance. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
UK Prime Minister <strong><a href=/tags/0/boris-johnson>Boris Johnson</a></strong> and <strong><a href=/tags/0/princess-anne>Princess Anne</a></strong> were spotted chatting. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
William and Kate shared a laugh in a sweet private moment. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
Kate was keen to greet all the invitees, including the IMF's Director's African Department, <strong>Abebe Aemro Selassie</strong>. <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
Everyone posed for a group picture! <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
William a speech at the event in which he spoke about the important relationship between the UK and Africa. <p>"The African continent holds a very special place in my heart," the Duke of Cambridge said in a speech after arriving in the Music Room for the event. "It is the place my father took my brother and me shortly after our mother died. <p>"And when deciding where best to propose to Catherine I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee. <p>"Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to spend time in many other parts of Africa. I'm also honoured to be the Patron of the Royal African Society. <p>"And as Catherine and I have said to several of you here tonight, we hope to have the chance to visit many more countries in the future and share our mutual love of your continent with our children." <p>Photo: &copy; Yui Mok/AFP via Getty Images
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