For months she's been condemned as 'lazy', little more than a shopping queen who's desperately awaiting the moment she becomes a Princess. Now, though, Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, is reportedly entertaining thoughts of embarking on a new, full-time job.

According to journalist Katie Nicholls, 24-year-old Kate has reiterated a previously voiced interest in interior design and could possibly even take it up as a career.

Her interest in this area of work stems from Kate's ongoing plans for the interior design of Harewood Park, the palatial home near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire which looks set to become a family home for herself and Prince William.

A royal insider tells Mail journalist Nicholls: "Kate has been stung by suggestions she is lazy. Looking at wallpaper and fabrics with a view to doing up a home got her thinking about designing as a profession."