McCartneys appear in public - but won’t talk about honeymoon

Sir Paul McCartney and new wife Heather made their first public appearance tonight since their honeymoon to attend an awards ceremony, but remained tight-lipped about their time away.

The couple cut short an interview with waiting reporters when asked if they were getting broody.

They had been presenting awards at ITV1’s Britain’s Brilliant Proteges, in association with the charity Children In Crisis, founded by the Duchess of York.

The Duchess looked elegant in a black chiffon top and black trousers as she presented the final award to 14-year-old violinist Nicola Benedetti, from West Kilbride, Ayrshire.

Olympic rower James Cracknell, actor Martin Kemp and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber were among the other celebrities giving out tonight’s awards.

Presented by Davina McCall, prizes included Best Young Actor, Best Young Ballet Dancer and Best Gymnast.

Sir Paul who gave the award for the Best Young Pop Singer and Heather - who is known as Mills McCartney - gave the award for the Young Person Who Made A Difference.

Speaking during the ceremony Heather said: ‘‘Isn’t it great that (the children) are actually doing the show and that is an inspiration for all kids.’’

Afterwards she said: ‘‘Sarah asked me first of all and told me about the boy I was giving an award to.

‘‘They are all very talented kids and it’s an honour to be in their presence.’’

When asked about the prospect of children, Sir Paul said: ‘‘Oh here we go, the British press. I mean, Jesus, isn’t that so typical.

‘‘I think we can nix that question and try to get on with what we are here for, which is Sarah’s charity and the charity work done.

‘‘It is fantastic, they are all very talented kids, we are very proud to be here and honoured to be in their presence.’’

When asked if they enjoyed their honeymoon they both refused to comment and walked out of the interview, saying: ‘‘We are not going to talk about that.’’

Later, The Duchess said she was star-struck after the event and was cross she had not got autographs of the stars for her children.

She said: The most important thing with Children In Crisis is that I take it very seriously because I founded it, it is my baby.

‘‘I can’t believe that Paul and Heather came and Davina presented it, I was so grateful.

‘‘It was an extraordinary evening for me - I was very emotional.’’

She explained that the charity carried out work in Sierra Leone, East Timor, Poland and China.

Sarah said the charity had operated in Afghanistan for the last six years and had to go underground during Taliban rule.

When asked if her daughters minded sharing her with lots of other children she said: ‘‘Sometimes it is difficult. But when I talk to them about what is going on they realise it is really good that some of Mum’s love goes to the other children and they understand.’’

When asked if she was trying to get her children to go into showbiz she replied: ‘‘The most important thing about my girls is whatever they choose to do, I will support them.’’