Kate  Middleton is not pregnant, according to British gossip mag Now magazine, which says that her mum Carole let the non-news slip to a friend last week.

'Carole said Kate isn't pregnant yet but wants to start trying soon,' their source claims.

'Carole smiles when she's asked about a Royal baby and is clearly looking forward to being a grandmother.'

Will and Kate re-ignited baby chatter when they held a newborn, Hugo Eric Scott Vicary, who was dressed in a Superman romper suit, at an official event recently.

Shots of William cradling the infant and gazing lovingly into its eyes did little to dampen constant speculation that Kate may be with child, despite the fact that William was quick to respond with a, '€˜No,'€™ when asked, '€˜Are you practicing?€™ by a bystander.

In fact, a few seconds after the impertinent question was asked, William handed the child back to its parents.