Kate Middleton launched her new photographic career yesterday by setting up an exhibition of limited edition shots of celebrities by Alistair Morrison. She organized the event, which was in aid of UNICEF, together with her sister Pippa at The Shop at Bluebird in Chelsea.

Kate Middleton and Prince William arriving

Kate made a big impression by mingling with a well-attended guest list, including Laura Lopes, pregnant daughter of the Duchess of Cornwall and — eventually — Prince William.

Despite the excellence of the photography on display, the talk of the show was the huge ring she wore on her left hand. Was it from Prince William, everyone was asking?

Although he arrived late, William made amends by taking Kate, Pippa, their mother and Guy Pelly for dinner.

Photographer Alistair Morrison tipped Kate as a future star in the art world. “She takes beautiful, detailed photographs,” he said. “She has a huge talent and a great eye. I’m sure she will go far.”

Kate also attended a book launch this week, suggesting perhaps that high-class art events have now replaced trips to familiar old haunts and merry wateringholes.

Zara Phillips, looking absolutely stunning (and it’s not often I say that), collected her well-deserved MBE (Member of the British Empire) from the Queen today.

Zara Phillips admiring her MBE

Zara is only the third rider in equestrian history to hold both World and European titles for three-day eventing at the same time.

The occasion was not recorded for public consumption, but we can tell you that Zara executed a deep curtsey as she approached her grandmother, the Queen.

In the front row were her mother, Princess Anne, her rugger man boyfriend, Mike Tindall, her brother, Peter Phillips, and his fiancee, Autumn Kelly.

Another recipient of the award, Dorothy Petticrew, said : “She was showing us how to curtsey and making us all feel relaxed. As we were waiting to go up, she said ‘Oh, why does my mother have to be sitting there?’. Princess Anne kept looking for her coming and peering to see her. It was lovely seeing the mother’s pride. Zara was totally relaxed. She said ‘I’m coming in military style today and it’s very comfortable’.”

Zara and Mike Tindall at Buckingham Palace today

Miss Petticrew added : “She said she would have been happy to receive her award privately but her family wanted her to do it publicly and said ‘Let’s do this right’.”

Zara’s stepfather, Tim Laurence, a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy, was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (Military Division) at the same ceremony.

A good day for the Royal Family, with talented members getting their just rewards.

Quite how an 82-year old Monarch and her 86-year old Consort managed to get through the past exhausting week is a matter for conjecture. It began with the Diamond Wedding weekend, moved swiftly on to Malta for a sentimental break, and ended in Uganda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

ITV’s Royal Correspondent Romilly Weeks

An amusing moment that showed the Duke of Edinburgh in sprightly form occurred on ITV’s news bulletin from Malta. As the Queen and the Prince conducted a walkabout on Valetta’s main street, Romilly Weeks, ITV’s Royal correspondent, spoke directly to camera about the Duke’s “romantic gesture” in bringing the Queen back to Malta, scene of one of the happiest times of their life together.

What she didn’t know was the Prince Philip was standing directly behind her listening to her piece. As she finished, she turned around to find the Duke with an amused expression. “Finished?” he said. They both had a good laugh before he moved on.

In Uganda it was Camilla’s turn to sparkle.

Camilla wearing the Queen Mother’s jewellery

The Duchess of Cornwall, obviously aware of local views that the Queen should wear a crown so that they knew she was a real Queen, chose to wear the Queen Mother’s Boucheron tiara and diamond necklace, with its full five strands, to a function. The Queen had made them available to her for the occasion.

Prince Charles was said to be there, with Camilla, to lobby for the job of Head of the Commonwealth when he becomes King. The role is not automatically given, but needs a consensus of the leaders.

With a new Australian Prime Minister apparently set on a republican agenda, the tide may be moving against him. Judging by his reception though, he has a good chance of claiming the job on ascending the Throne. As Head of the Commonwealth, the Monarch is given a world role that would otherwise be diminished.

AFP is reporting that Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy, who is studying at Leeds University, have reunited after a two-hour meeting over the weekend. Harry has “vowed to take the relationship more seriously”.

He had reportedly bombarded Chelsy with text messages and telephone calls since their split last week after three years together.

“Chelsy was always going to take him back but wanted him to sweat a bit,” an unnamed friend of the couple said. “He apologised and promised to treat their relationship seriously. She agreed to give him another chance if he kept his word.”

We’ve also heard that Chelsy has been taking advice on problematic Princes from Kate Middleton, who has become something of an expert in handling an on-off relationship in recent years.

She has also been contacted by Susanna Warren, girlfriend of Princely favourite Guy Pelly. Harry apparently thought Susanna might do better as a go-between than his own efforts. It looks like he got that right.