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The Princess of Wales had a quiet lunch at small French cafe in this historic market town, with the restaurant sharing that "she was utterly charming, gracious and every bit as radiant in person as you'd imagine."

Kate Middleton turned 44 last week and to celebrate her birthday, she reportedly went out to lunch with her mum Carole Middleton and sister Pippa. The family are regular visitors to this town as it is only 17 miles from the family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

On Facebook, the Funghi Club, a French-inspired bistro in this town rvealed that the Princess of Wales had dined there with her family. "Every now and then something happens that sends a little fizz of excitement through the whole place and this week delivered a corker. Last Friday, in our teeny bistro, we had the enormous pleasure of welcoming a rather extraordinary guest."

Known for its classic French fare dishes are all reasonably priced with starters from £9 and mains from around £14.

The post continued: "Well - none other than the Princess of Wales herself, Berkshire's very own Kate Middleton, celebrating her 44th birthday, joined by her mother Carole and sister Pippa. Right here in Hungerford."

Hungerford is an historic market town in west Berkshire, known for its charming independent shops, especially antiques and lively Wednesday market.

Its position in the picturesque North Wessex helps create a beautiful blend of country and town life with canals, historic buildings, and nearby natural beauty like Combe Gibbet, attracting visitors forantiques, walks, and local culture.

The town is a real local antiques hub. Famous for the Hungerford Arcade and numerous other antique dealers and shops, no doubt Carole Middleton may have picked up the odd tasteful item for Bucklebury Manor, the Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Berkshire, they bought in 2012 for around £4.7 million and where they held daughter Pippa's wedding reception.

As a market town Hungerford hosts a traditional Charter Market on its High Street every Wednesday. Situated outside the town hall the market features fresh produce, artisan foods, plants, and is complemented by an indoor market with unique goods, collectibles, clothing, and crafts.

A spokesperson for the Town and Manor of Hungerford confirmed: "Wednesday is market day in Hungerford, when cars give way to shoppers, traders and stalls filled with fresh fruit, vegetable, fish, meat, flowers, clothes, fabric, collectables and more.

"You'll find the Hungerford Charter Market on the High Street just outside the Town Hall, starting early in the morning and packing away early afternoon."

A high percentage of its shops are independent, offering unique boutiques, books, and homeware. After you have explored the Hungerford Arcade for antiques and pottered round its many independent shops, see historic sites like the Town Hall and St Lawrence's Church.

Visitors are also advised to visit Hungerford Wharf to enjoy a canal-side walk. Situated on the River Dun in the Kennet Valley, on the border of Wiltshire, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, away from the bustling in town centre there is much to enjoy in nature which is probably why the town appeals so much to Princess Kate who released another highly personal video on her birthday called Winter and how immersing herself in nature has helped her heal after her cancer treatment.

A spokesperson for visithungerford.com described the town as " a quintessentially English destination renowned for its unique shopping experience."

They added: "The town centre is a treasure trove of over 400 dealers and numerous outlets, including antique shops and fairs that attract visitors from around the world. Alongside these, you'll find a variety of other unique shops and boutiques where you can lose yourself for a delightful few hours. From the award-winning Antiques and Collectables arcade to warm and friendly pubs, cheery tea shops, and tempting restaurants, there's something to cater to every taste. So come, explore, and enjoy the charm of shopping in Hungerford.

"The range of shops includes a fantastic mix of independents and more well known high street stores. There is also an award-winning local bookshop that runs excellent author events on a regular basis. Visit the Hungerford Bookshop and spend time sifting through novels old and new and get the latest book news from the authoritative staff."