Kate bumps her way on to the front pages

Her husband may well be undertaking the first tour of China by a senior British royal in almost thirty years but William's diplomatic efforts have been overshadowed by his wife, a floral frock and a photo that confirms baby Cambridge number two is definitely just around the corner. Kate was papped leaving the Goring Hotel in London today after helping the establishment mark its 105th birthday and her print covered tummy got everyone talking. The duchess has bumped her other half out of the spotlight. Again.

The duchess was guest of honour at a lunch at the hotel to mark its big birthday and to celebrate another milestone in its history - Kate also reopened it after a brief closure for a complete refurbishment. From the luxurious Royal Suite, where she spent her last night as a single woman, to the famous front door where she exited as a royal bride on her way to her very royal wedding, the Goring has been dusted down and brushed up. And having Kate snapped on its steps showing off a very big baby bump will have ensured that the good news gets a global audience.

Kate Middleton leaves The Goring Hotel in Victoria, London on March 2. Photo: Sipa USA http://t.co/00g7Ki8akn pic.twitter.com/BaJKlxffwF
— TIME.com (@TIME) March 2, 2015

The Coldstream Guards had turned up to welcome guests but even the sight of them in their uniforms crammed into the London street that houses the opening of the hotel was overshadowed by the sight of the girl who will be queen leaving after lunch. Wearing a floral dress, and looking understandably tired, the duchess made her latest public appearance as she approaches eight months pregnant.

Pictures: The Duchess of Cambridge attends Goring Hotel's 105th birthday http://t.co/quMBkkEIin
— British Royals (@WatchingWindsor) March 2, 2015

Meanwhile, her husband was several thousand miles away on a tour of China. His most recent engagements included a tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing and a visit to the Shijia Hutong Museum where he saw the work of children's charities. To be fair, William's latest excursion is getting plenty of attention back home. But not quite as much, today, as the appearance of his wife for a minute outside the hotel where she was last seen as a bride. Four years on, with baby number two imminent, Kate has bumped her way on to the front pages.