Demure Duchess of Cambridge keeps her legs under wraps in £500 spotted dress as she and William meet young people from India and Bhutan ahead of their official visit this month

Ahead of their royal tour in India and Bhutan this weekend, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge opened the doors of their London home to UK residents and students from the two countries (left). 

For the reception, the Duchess wore a £498 full-length gown by Indian designer Saloni, with a keyhole back to reveal a hint of flesh. Bhutan's population is almost three-quarters Buddhist while the nation's ethnic Nepalese population are overwhelmingly Hindu. 

The royal blue 'Mary Illusion dress', which is currently sold out online, has a plunging neckline with an illusion panel to make it more demure. Prince William and Kate welcomed members of the business, charity and academic sectors at Kensington Palace - and among the recognisable faces was Burberry model Neelam Gill, who has carved a path for young Asian women in the fashion industry. 

The couple will also speak with Bhutanese and Indian students enrolled on the FCO's Chevening Scholarship Programme, the UK's international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. The royals will start their tour in Mumbai on Sunday, playing cricket with local street children and attending a glittering Bollywood charity gala.