By CATHERINE SAXTON

HE venerable journalist Liz Smith was thrown a book party at Le Cirque (you can never have too many events at Le Cirque for me!).  Dear friend and co-host Barbara Walters had everyone in stitches telling them they’d all been “outed” by being at the sw’elegant affair.  Loud laughter from the assembled guests, including many of the best-known journalists in town.

We were there to celebrate the launch of Liz’s much discussed autobiography Natural Blonde.

Whilst she may not still be a natural, she was the most elegant 77-year-old in the room, wearing a tummy baring sexy top. Cindy Adams made much of that top, but everyone loved Liz’s élan in wearing it.

Spotted amongst the celebrity crowd were Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford, Leslie Stahl, Deborah Norville, Barbara Taylor and Bob Bradford, Arlene Dahl and Marc Rosen.  Prince Edward of Britain was a late comer and early goer.

All in all over 200 of Liz’s nearest and dearest packed the room to wish their dear friend a very successful launch.