Kate carries out first solo public engagement

(CBS) Kate took on her first solo public engagement on Wednesday, while Prince William is away in the Falkland Islands.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 30, visited the National Portrait Gallery in London, one of the charities she has chosen to support, to view a special exhibit of Lucian Freud's work.

Pictures: Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
Pictures: Kate's royal looks

Kate stepped out for the event in a gray tweed coat dress with a shawl collar and black belt, by Jesire, according to the Daily Mail.

She reportedly mingled with photographer Mary McCartney and Freud's daughter Bella during the visit.

The Duchess, who studied art history at St. Andrew's University, was recently named royal patron of the National Portrait Gallery.

Next week, she'll travel to Liverpool on Valentine's Day to visit an alcohol-free bar linked to one of her other charities, Action on Addiction, and will also visit Alder Hay Children's Hospital.

William left for his six-week deployment to the Falklands last week.