Kate Middleton Reveals Scar During First Solo Engagement

Kate Middleton carried out her first solo engagement in London on Wednesday, and showed off a bit of her medical history in the process – a three-inch scar from just above her left ear to her left temple.

Her half-up hairstyle meant the scar was visible on many photos:

A St. James’ Palace spokesman was quick to downplay the mark, explaining to the Daily Mail that it was “related to a childhood operation.” The spokesman refused to give further information, so the Mail approached London surgeon John Scurr, who cast doubt on how grave the cause of the scar was:

“I really doubt it was any serious condition and I would say it is as a result of an arteriovenous malformation — a birthmark — being removed.”

Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was attending a charity dinner for In Kind Direct at Clarence House in London, and was a last-minute replacement for her father-in-law, Prince Charles. She chatted to 30 guests and wore a pale blue chiffon gown.

The 29-year-old duchess had to step in for Charles as he was called to Riyadh to pay his respects to the Saudi Arabian Family, whose crown prince recently passed away. A St. James’ Palace representative said:

“The duchess of Cambridge was delighted to be able to step in for her father-in-law, the prince of Wales, to celebrate the work of In Kind Direct at the dinner.”

She clearly impressed the guests, with one of those in attendance gushing to Us Weekly:

“She is more beautiful in person than you can imagine. She literally wowed the room. She looked amazing.”