Kate and Charlotte outflank William

The Duke of Cambridge had two big events in his diary for today but when you're married to one of the most famous duchesses in the world and father to one of the best known princesses around then taking centre stage is easier said than done. William was totally outflanked by the women in his life today. Princess Charlotte started it off with mum, Kate, coming in for the finish as Wednesday drew to an end. William should be used to it by now.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a Kensington Palace reception for young people from India and Bhutan ahead of their tour to the two countries which starts on Sunday

(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)

William knows by now that when he steps out with his wife, the attention will fall on her. And when he steps out with his wife wearing a new dress then he really doesn't stand a chance. All those boxes were ticked tonight as the Duke and Duchess hosted a reception for young people from India and Bhutan living in Britain as they get ready for their tour of the two countries beginning on Sunday. Kate went for a navy evening dress by Indian designer Saloni and just about everyone went for her with their camera lenses.

TRHs arrive at the reception and chat to guests from the two countries they'll shortly be visiting pic.twitter.com/agKsnMRo2w

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 6, 2016

The dress was a different style for Kate so she gets full marks for that even if it ended up swamping her and the material looked much better close up than from a distance. And more marks for backing designers from her host countries before she even gets there. If we thought we were in for any recycling at all in India and Bhutan this evening put paid to that. Expect six days of new clothes.

The Duchess of Cambridge dresses diplomatically in Indian designer Saloni ahead of royal… https://t.co/4AoWoOjqTi pic.twitter.com/hqjYJ6FfPD

— Telegraph Fashion (@TeleFashion) April 6, 2016

William probably expected a distinct lack of interest in his own navy blue ensemble complete with baby blue tie but he'd arrived at the Kensington Palace reception having seen his daughter steal the limelight from him at a lunch held in his honour earlier on at Wembley. The event was to mark his tenth anniversary as President of the Football Association - cue a photo by the Bobby Moore statue at Wembley and the presentation of his very own England cap.

Embed from Getty Images

But then proud daddy William let slip that Charlotte, at the age of 11 months, likes kicking a football while he is holding her hand and suddenly that was all anyone was interested in. William made quite a hard hitting speech, saying ''There is a wind of change blowing through global sporting governance and we must ensure we do not get left behind.''  It was well received and will probably be studied at a later date but all anyone really cared about was the idea of Charlotte playing football.

Princess Charlotte and her mum stole the limelight from dad today

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge head to India and Bhutan for six days with the engagements getting under way on April 10th. And if William had any doubts before they headed to the airport, quite a lot of the attention is going to be on Kate.

There is a special page about the tour of India and Bhutan here.