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KATE STEALS THE SHOW AT GLITZY WEST END BASH

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15 JUNE 2006

Kate Middleton's popularity, both with the Royal Family and the British media, owes a great deal to her down-to-earth approach and obvious social ease. It's clear that Prince William's girlfriend feels at home in her new role, whether it entails spending time with her royal beau's family or mingling with celebs, as she was at a glitzy West End bash this week.

With a delicate pink velvet jacket over a floral summer dress, the pretty 24-year-old cut a graceful figure as she arrived at the opening of a new retail outlet on the King's Road on Wednesday evening. And although her leading man, who is currently tackling the rigours of officer training at Sandhurst, wasn't at the soiree, his second cousin Lord Freddie Windsor was on hand to welcome her.

Kate and her little sister Pippa had both gone along for the launch of The Shop, which has just been set up by old family friends John and Belle Robinson. Iconic designers Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant had likewise turned out to show their support for the couple, who also own clothing chains Jigsaw and Kew.

The girl who turned most heads upon her arrival confessed that, despite her stylish appearance, expensive clothes were not high on her list of priorities, however. "I'm not really fussed about fashion," confessed the modest VIP. "I'm just here to support Belle and John."