Kate Middleton and Prince William greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Buckingham Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed the President and First Lady of Ukraine today at Buckingham Palace in their first audience since the lockdown began.

Kate Middleton, 38, looked elegant in a cornflower blue belted dress as she joined Prince William, 38, to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena in the opulent throne room.

The couples did not wear masks but observed social distancing and were in good spirits during the meeting, the first royal event to be held at Buckingham Palace since March.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held the audience on behalf of the Queen, 94, who is staying at Windsor Castle and performing a limited number of engagements.

The couples did not wear masks but observed social distancing and were in good spirits during the meeting, the first royal event to be held at Buckingham Palace since March

Kate looked elegant in a cornflower blue belted dress, believed to have been made by Emilia Wickstead

The Cambridges shared a photo of the meeting on Twitter shortly afterwards

William and Kate have taken part in a number of engagements since the lockdown restrictions were relaxed – including a visit from Kate Middleton to Derby University yesterday – but this is their first audience with a world leader in seven months.

The Cambridges did not shake hands with their guests, as they would have done before the lockdown, but stood up to greet the Ukrainian visitors.

During the brief meeting, the couples stood socially distant before moving to two separate ornate sofas to continue their conversation.

Kate, in a cornflower blue belted dress, and William in a suit and tie, saw big smiles as they spoke to their guests.

The comedian Zelenskyy, who has become a politician, traveled to London with a ministerial delegation on a two-day visit.

He will also sign the Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement with Boris Johnson on Thursday.

The Duke of Cambridge looked animated as he spoke to his guests in the throne room

During the brief meeting, the couples stood socially distant in the throne room (pictured) before moving to two separate ornate sofas to continue their conversation

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and his wife Olena. The couple went to the couches during the brief audience (pictured)

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said the deal was a "clear demonstration" of Britain's commitment to Ukraine's prosperity and security.

Mr Raab will meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba today to reaffirm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of what the Foreign Office calls "Russia's malevolent behavior".

The Foreign Secretary will announce £ 5 million in humanitarian aid to help communities in eastern Ukraine affected by conflict and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The aid will be used to provide food, water, medical care and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, the Federal Foreign Office said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena are on a two-day visit to the UK. The President will also sign the Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement with Boris Johnson

Mr. Raab said: “The stability of Ukraine is vital to the security of Europe. The delivery of £ 5 million in humanitarian aid and the signing of the Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement is clear evidence of Britain's commitment to the prosperity and security of Ukraine. "

Politician-turned comedian Zelensky came to power last April and pledged to break the system that had ruled Ukraine since independence in 1991.

His election promises included ending the Eastern conflict, fighting corruption and reforming the Ukrainian economy, which is dependent on foreign aid.