William And Kate In First Official Outing

Prince William was joined by fiancee Kate Middleton at a charity concert at the couple's first public engagement since plans for their wedding were announced last month.

Miss Middleton walked by the prince's side as the couple arrived for the Christmas variety show, staged to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

William joked with onlookers, telling one group of teenagers dressed as elves: "Cool hats".

Miss Middleton waved and smiled at well-wishers but said nothing.

Prince William was guest of honour at the fund-raising gala in Thursford in Norfolk, which showcased a cast of professional singers, dancers and musicians.

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular was a private event but during the interval the prince was to meet a group of young cancer patients from Norfolk and Hertfordshire as well as charity staff.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the construction of the first specialist cancer unit for young people at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, which will cost 2.5 million.

The unit will be designed to reflect a young person's life outside hospital as closely as possible, unlike other ordinary hospital wards where young cancer patients may be placed on children's wards with babies and young children on adult wards alongside elderly patients.

William was invited to the event by Emilie Van Cutsem, chairman of the Teenage Cancer Trust's East Anglia volunteer committee, and also a close friend of the prince and his family.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry was presented with a prestigious German award in recognition of his charity work and immediately declared himself unworthy of the honour.

The royal said he felt "hugely humble" receiving the 'Golden Heart' during a televised fundraising gala in Berlin - Ein Herz fur Kinder (A Heart for Children).

But he explained that compared to others who dedicate their lives helping vulnerable youngsters, "I have done very little", and accepted the trophy on their behalf.