William and Catherine, the duke and duchess of Cambridge, attended the Absolute Return for Kids Gala Thursday evening in their first public engagement as a married couple, and the Duchess' first official event as a working princess.

The gala, a fundraiser for health and education for kids worldwide, took place on a party site constructed at London's Perks Field, near the couple's future city home: Kensington Palace.

ARK founder Arpad Busson told reporters he was thrilled the royal couple were the evening's guest of honor, People reported.

William and Kate, bridge the generations, Busson said. We need to get young philanthropists involved with us. They could not have been a better choice.

As Kate and William separated to meet different groups, the duchess was asked, Where's your husband? by curious guests. We always get split up at these things, she replied.

The couple left the party around 10:30 p.m.

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Britains Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a charity dinner at Kensington Palace in London
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen the apartment, rather sub-castle formerly home to the late Princess Margaret, as their first home. However their soon-to-be royal digs, complete with 20 rooms and a private garden, present a royal pain: remodeling which must be fit for a queen. REUTERS
Britain039s Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a charity dinner at Kensington Palace in London
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a charity dinner at Kensington Palace in London June 9, 2011. REUTERS
Britain039s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for a charity dinner at Kensington Palace in London
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for a charity dinner at Kensington Palace in London June 9, 2011. REUTERS
Britain039s Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at ARK gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the10th annual ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London June 9, 2011 REUTERS
Britain039s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at ARK gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she arrives at the10th annual ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London June 9, 2011. REUTERS
Britain039s Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at ARK gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the10th annual ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London June 9, 2011. REUTERS
Britain039s Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at ARK gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the10th annual ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) gala dinner at Kensington Palace in London June 9, 2011. REUTERS
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