A fun story as we once again head towards the weekend (that's my wholly vain attempt to stop you giving me a right royal rollicking for featuring Kate!).

Kate Middleton appeared highly amused today as she continues to make the seamless transition from royal girlfriend to celebrity in her own right.

Perhaps she was enjoying the fact she was raising eyebrows by wearing fashionable Ugg boots on what was set to be one of the hottest days of the year so far in London?

Or could it be she'd heard the latest odds from the bookmakers who've suggested Prince William may marry a woman who has all the right social connections (and a double-barrelled name), but not exactly the right standards to become his bride?

This week, 25-year-old Kate has been all smiles for the cameras at a variety of social occasions and events, ranging from a book launch to another night on the town with friends.

Such appearances have resulted in huge coverage of Prince William's ex-partner but still, apparently, his close friend in the British media.

So happy and relaxed is she these days that Kate has now taken to chatting with journalists.

Speaking at the launch of her friend Simon Sebag Montefiore's book, Young Stalin, Kate revealed the reason behind her decision to appear at the launch atg Asprey's, saying: "I'm here for Simon. I'm really looking forward to reading his book because I studied history of art and anything historical interests me."

While many ex-partners of royalty fade into the background — and are often happy to do so, relieved to be rid of the frenetic attentions of the press — Kate appears revitalised following the unofficial announcement in early April of her split from her boyfriend of over four years.