Kate Middleton Makes Historic Appearance in Polka Dot Dress with Royal Baby in Arms [PHOTOS]

On the evening of 23 July, Kate Middleton appeared with the royal baby in her arms for the first time - as the world watched on in rapt attention.

"It's very emotional; it's such a special time. I think any parent will know what this feeling feels like," the Duchess of Cambridge, who was accompanied by Prince William, said, as she cradled the baby wrapped in white outside St Mary's hospital.

The Duchess looked remarkably well, having been in labour for around 10 years just the day before.

Kate wore a bespoke polka dot dress from Jenny Packham for the occasion and let her hair loose in her trademark style. The knee-long, baby-blue coloured dress, which Kate paired with cream wedges, gave a fresh look to the new mother.

Blue for Boy

Just as Trafalgar Square turned blue on the day Prince William and Kate's son was born, the baby blue-coloured dress also signified the birth of a baby boy. Prince William co-ordinated with a blue pinstripe shirt.

Beauty and the Bump

Kate Middleton's dress made her post-baby bump obvious but the duchess looked no less stylish than before. She didn't attempt to hide her postnatal look in any over-sized dress but rather looked relaxed and at ease in front of the cameras.

Kate Middleton's Dress Echoes Diana's Memory

Diana, the late Princess of Wales, might not be around but her daughter-in-law seems to have ensured she makes Diana's presence felt at historic royal occasions. For the royal baby's first appearance in public, Kate's polka dot dress reminded many of the similar green polka dot outfit worn by Diana in 1982, when she first showed the world her first son, Prince William, outside St Mary's Hospital.

Here's how Kate looked at her first appearance with the royal baby...

READ: Kate Middleton's Baby Arrives: A Royal Family Photo Album [SLIDESHOW]

READ: A Prince is Born! London Lit to Welcome William and Kate's Royal Baby [PHOTOS]