Kate Middleton Wears Short Skirt To First UK Appearance Since Topless Photo Scandal (PHOTOS)

They're baaaaaaack!

Now that the aftershocks of that pesky Kate Middleton racy photo scandal have finally worn down, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are returning to a life of normalcy. On Monday, the couple made their first official UK appearance since the scandal broke and since their return from their royal tour of Asia. (Catherine attended a friend's wedding with Pippa and her mother last week.)

And! Kate's official comeback didn't disappoint -- she ventured out today in one of the chicest looks we've seen her wear in a looooong time.

The royal pair braved the chilly London weather to visit the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple to launch a new scholarship in the name of the royal family. With the scandal in their rear view mirrors, Catherine and William looked genuinely happy, sharing laughs as they signed the guestbook and posed with the scholarship winners.

Catherine picked out a burgundy suit with a tiered skirt by French designer Paule Ka, the short hemline of which showed off her long legs. (We're always big fans of Kate taking fashion risks, like daring tops or bold prints.) In addition to her standard hair-down look and her engagement ring, her lower half was a little more by-the-duchess-book: thick black tights and her black suede pumps.

The duchess will be out again this week on Wednesday, where she'll tour Newcastle solo. William was scheduled to attend but bowed out due to the funeral for his former childhood nanny Olga Powell.

Photo scandal, shmoto scandal: it's good to see the couple back to business.

Check out pics below! Welcome back, Kate and Will.

PHOTOS:

Kate Middleton & William Visit The Middle Treasury

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