Bicester Village fire: Kate Middleton's favourite shopping outlet reopens after restaurant blaze

The Duchess of Cambridge's favourite designer outlet where she once bought clothes for Prince George was at the centre of a drama today after a fire engulfed a restaurant.

Thirty five firefighters were called to the fire this morning at Carluccio's restaurant in Bicester Village, Oxfordshire, which ravaged the roof of the premises.

The Oxford Fire and Rescue Service said an aerial platform ladder was used to tackle the fire, which started at 8.40am. No injuries were reported.

The shopping centre has now reopened and firefighters are damping down at the scene and monitoring adjacent buildings. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.

Kate Middleton visited the village last year and according to staff browsed the sale items at Reiss and bought a bargain pair of pyjamas for Prince George.

She remarked during her Far East 2012 tour to Singaporean journalist Sadiah Bte Shahal she "loved" Bicester because "everything is so contained".

One of her memorable dresses she bought at the shopping centre was a blue M Missoni coat-dress which she wore during an engagement with the Duchess of Cornwall during the Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012.

The majority of businesses reopened at 1pm, except for a few boutiques.

A Bicester Village spokesman said: "Happily everyone on site is safe.

"Prior to opening for business this morning, the fire services were called.

"The emergency services were on-site within minutes and the fire was contained to Carluccio's restaurant.

"Bicester Village would like to express its sincere gratitude to both the police and fire services for their prompt and efficient handling of the situation.

"The majority of the boutiques at Bicester Village will reopen today at 1pm."

A fire spokesman said: "Crews are liaising closely with the Bicester Village management and Thames Valley Police.

"The cause of the fire is yet to be determined."