Sir Paul McCartney and his girlfriend Nancy Shevell have appeared together in public for the first time.

The couple attended an exhibition of photographs by the former Beatle's daughter, Mary, at London's Natural History Museum last night.

Although they arrived separately, both were happy to appear together once inside the venue, reports the Telegraph.

The high profile outing suggests the couple's romance, which began last year, has won the blessing of Sir Paul's family.

The couple have been almost inseparable since the former Beatle's divorce from second wife Heather Mills was finalised in May.

Most recently, the pair travelled on a road trip together along America's Route 66, posing for pictures with Beatles fans during the holiday.

Shevell is an old friend of Sir Paul and his first wife, Linda McCartney, who died in 1998 following a battle with cancer.

As previously reported, Sir Paul is due to perform in Israel later this month, although he has been warned of his safety my Islamic militants.

(by Jason Gregory)