The perfect gentleman: A chivalrous Prince William shields his Duchess from the rain at the War Horse premiere

By Holly Thomas
Last updated at 9:06 AM on 9th January 2012

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It always puts a dampener on one's evening when the weather ruins a carefully put-together look.
And the Duchess of Cambridge must put a great deal of effort into perfecting her red carpet glamour.
Luckily, gallant Prince William made sure that not a drop of water touched his bride as he shielded her from the rain at the Leicester Square premiere of Steven Spielberg's War Horse this evening.

Belle of the ball: Kate Middleton lead the way at the War Horse premiere in Leicester Square tonight with a stunning floor-length gown, as Prince William shielded her from the rain

Keeping her dry: The gallant Prince ensured Kate's outfit was untouched by the driving rain

The 29-year-old showed off her sylph-life figure in a stunning floor-length gown.
Her gorgeous cream ensemble was embroidered with black flower and leaf patterns, fitted to the waist with the long skirt falling gracefully loose below.
Her three-quarter-length sleeves exhibited her slender wrists, and the Duchess opted for minimal jewellery in favour of maintaining the focus on her dress.

Classic elegance: Kate's sylph-like figure was exhibited to stunning effect in the beautifully embroidered dress

Special honour: War Horse director Steven Spielberg has personally expressed his gratitude to the Royal couple for supporting the film

Kate has exhibited a fondness for lace before, and the delicate outer layer of her skirt certainly made for a beautiful finish.
She wore just her engagement ring and a delicate diamond bracelet for an understated decorative touch, and carried a simple black velvet clutch.
Kate celebrates her 30th birthday tomorrow, but is not expected to have a lavish party to mark the occasion.

High spirits: Kate celebrates her 30th birthday tomorrow, but is not expected to mark the occasion with a lavish party

All in the detail: Kate has exhibited a fondness for lace before, and the delicate outer layer of her skirt certainly made for a beautiful finish

Minimal decoration: Kate wore her engagement ring and a delicate silver bracelet, and carried a simple black velvet clutch

Director Steven Spielberg spoke about the couple's gesture in attending the event, saying:  'It's a very prestigious honour because they represent an entirely new era in British royalty that has the entire world excited.
'When they came to America, that was one of the most exciting events, I think, that we've enjoyed for some time, so it's such an honour to be here in the UK to be able to meet them and to be able to show them, and all of us, War Horse.'
'I am delighted that the UK Premiere of War Horse is in aid of ‘The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry’ and that this special occasion is attended by two of the patrons, Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.'

Always gracious: Kate looked delighted as she received a bunch of flowers from a young fan

Also on the carpet: Emily Watson and Cheska Hull both looked lovely in full-length dresses

Blushing red: Celine Buckens, in a £595 Victoria by Victoria Beckham dress, and Downton Abbey star Jessica Brown Finlay both looked stunning in their vivid colour choices

'War Horse encapsulates for me a timeless personal story of courage. The movie, which I am proud to say was filmed here in Great Britain, deals with the discovery of humanity against conflict, and celebrates bravery, loyalty, tenacity and hope.'
'We are honoured to dedicate this event in aid of the Foundation which recognises the welfare of those who serve their country in the British Armed Forces.'

Special guest: Steven Spielberg and actor Jeremy Irvine posted with red carpet extra Joey

Keeping their end up: David Thewliss and Tom Hiddleston looked dashing in black and white dinner suits

Off duty: Benedict Cumberbatch left his Sherlock garb at home, looking a true gentleman on the red carpet

Job well done: Richard Curtis, who wrote the screenplay, looked extremely satisfied with the reception, as did his wife Emma Freud

Six hundred serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families are also attended the premiere, alongside beneficiaries of military charities, with which the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry has been working.

The servicemen and women have been invited from The Duke of Cambridge’s regiments, including RAF Search and Rescue, Household Cavalry, Irish Guards, Royal Air Force Coningsby, Scotland Royal Naval Command and Submarines Royal Naval Command. 

Time to celebrate: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were later seen arriving at the premiere afterparty, held at the Queen's Gallery

Good spirits: The couple appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves as they arrived for the party

Meanwhile, Tom Hiddleston, who plays Captain Nicholls in the film, has admitted that he lied about how competent a horse rider he was when he signed up to the project.
He said: 'I claimed to ride "competently" but in reality I looked more like Billy Crystal at the beginning of 'City Slickers' than a cavalry officer: heels out and sitting back like a sack of potatoes, as though I was riding some kind of living motorbike. Hopeless.
'The grooms and stuntsman, the best in the world, quickly disabused me of my bad habits: drill for four hours a day for five weeks, "Heels down! Elbows! Hands to you! Sit up straight! Shoulders back!" '

The night is still young! But actor Benedict Cumberbatch looked slightly sombre as he made his way into the afterparty

Suited and booted: Spielberg and Emily Watson were also seen making an appearance at the afterparty