Kate Middleton flashes smile in powder blue Catherine Walker suit at Holland museum

The Duchess of Cambridge seemed anything but nervous as she embarked on her first solo engagement abroad to the Netherlands on a crisp autumnal day (11 October).

Proving she can conduct royal duties perfectly well without her husband Prince William, Kate Middleton delighted the Dutch crowds when she flashed her pearly whites upon arrival at The Hague in Holland.

The stylish duchess, 34, was dressed to impress in a powder blue skirt-suit by Chelsea-based designer, Catherine Walker, a brand regularly worn by the late Princess Diana. The bespoke two-piece suit featured a waist-cinching belt to show off Kate's svelte figure, while the oversized buttons and peplum silhouette gave the look a 1960s feel.

Kate put her classic spin on the striking outfit with a pair of nude suede stilettos and a matching small clutch bag. She wore her long brunette hair in a sophisticated updo – a style she has been favouring of late – while wearing a simple yet elegant pair of pearl earrings with natural, fresh make-up.

The mother-of-two seemed delighted to be visiting the Netherlands and smiled from ear-to-ear when she paid a visit to the iconic Mauritshuis museum at The Hague this afternoon. After studying art history in St Andrews and becoming a patron of the National Portrait Gallery, it was no surprise that Kate was naturally drawn to the historical pieces of art.

Kate viewed pieces that have stood the test of time, including Johannes Vermeer's famed The Girl With The Pearl Earring. She was then given a personal tour of an exhibition featuring Dutch Old Masters loaned by the Royal Collection, which included artwork, furniture and other objects accumulated over centuries by the British monarchy.

The main attraction of the exhibition is thought to be Vermeer's The Music Lesson but the Duchess also toured the museum's permanent collection – which is where she came across Vermeer's most famous work, along with The Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius.

Kate met with children participating in the gallery's learning programme before leaving the venue, and attended a short reception with museum supporters. Earlier on today, Kate made a courtesy call to King Willem-Alexander at his home, Villa Eikenhorst – the royal residence he shares with wife Queen Maxima and their three daughters, Princesses Amalia, Alexia and Ariane.