Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton voted the world's most perfect couple

Prince William and
Duchess Catherine

Prince William and Duchess Catherine - who are currently expecting their first child together - topped a poll by UK TV network Watch, to find the celebrity pair British couples aspire to be like in 2013.

William and Catherine - who was known as Kate Middleton until her wedding in April 2011 - beat good friends David and Victoria Beckham into second place while Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie came third, with Beyonce and Jay-Z in fourth.

Despite recently getting engaged, people questioned in the poll thought Katie Price and Kieran Hayler will be the first celebrity couple to split in 2013, closely followed by parents-to-be Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

The survey - which was carried out from Monday 14 to Tuesday 15 January with 1,000 participants by market researchers Vision Critical - was commissioned by Watch to mark the launch of 'Beauty and the Beast' on Wednesday 16 January at 9pm.

Top designer Roland Mouret says Kim Kardashian has more style influence than Kate Middleton

Kim Kardashian, Kate Middleton
Humberto Carreno/startraksphoto.com

Roland Mouret, a designer for A-list favorite the Galaxy dress, has said that Kim Kardashian helps sell more clothes than Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

In the past anything Middleton wears to a Royal event tends to sell out almost immediately. The most memorable instance of this fashion phenomenon was when she work a brown, birdie Orla Kiely dress. The simple Irish designer’s dress, which cost just $263 in stores, literally flew off the shelves.

Read more: The Kate Middleton effect pushes Irish designer Orla Kiely’s sales over $15 million

Also more recently Kate Middleton sporting LK Bennett nude pumps saw a huge trend for the simple shoe take off all over the world.

However Roland said, speaking to the Telegraph “You don’t see hundreds of women running around looking like her [Kate Middleton].

"To be honest, we’re more likely to get orders on a dress that Kim Kardashian’s worn."

If this is true it may simply come down to sex appeal. Kardashian’s look include far more figure hugging outfits with a plunging neckline while Middleton being a royal is far more sedate.

Roland went on to say Kardashian is “highly attuned to those details that will provoke a tabloid frenzy and above all, she does not want a tabloid frenzy.

"She doesn’t seem to feel the need to dress sexily to woo the world.

"She’s dressing for William and herself."

Roland admitted that Middleton once had a request to have one of his gowns taken out to be less tight.

He added “She doesn’t want a bottom situation like Pippa had."

Read more: Duchess Kate Middleton returned clothes sent to her by Kim Kardashian

Ed Sheeran wants the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to call their baby "something rock 'n' roll"

Ed Sheeran

The 'A Team' hitmaker is thrilled the young royal couple are expecting a future heir to the throne and has urged them to be inventive when choosing a name.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: "I just think it's time for someone in the royal family to have a rock 'n' roll name for their kids. Call it Ziggy or Twig.

"This is the time, if there's ever a time to do it, it's now.  I don't want there to be another name like Dave. But then Dave would be cool, wouldn't it?

"Call it Twig or Oak Tree or PSY, even PSYmon."

Ed also revealed he is a big fan of the royal family.

He said: "A lot of people have mixed views on the royal family, But me, I think it's really cool.

"And as for Will and Kate, they're in love and having a baby, it's wicked."

Victoria Beckham sent Kate Middleton flowers to congratulate Royal couple on baby news

Kate Middleton leaves the hospital with Prince William

The fashion designer – who has four children, Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 10, Cruz, seven, and 17-month-old Harper, with husband David – was thrilled when she heard Duchess Catherine was pregnant and wanted to let her know she was thinking of her when she was in hospital with acute morning sickness.

A source said: "Victoria sent flowers and a card to congratulate William and Kate.

"Victoria really understands morning sickness and has suffered terribly from it herself during all her pregnancies. Victoria actually lose weight in the first trimesters and couldn't keep her food down, so she really felt for Kate, as she knew a little of what she was going through."

Victoria – who, along with David, attended William and Catherine's wedding last April – is also keen to give the unborn future king or queen some clothes to wear as she is set to have her create her own children's clothing range.

The source added to heat magazine: "Victoria is actually looking into starting her own range of children's clothes and would love for William and Kate's child to be the first in line to wear them."

Will.i.am has congratulated Prince William and Duchess Catherine on their baby news

Will.i.am has congratulated Prince William and Duchess Catherine

The Black Eyed Peas musician is absolutely thrilled for the couple who announced last week they are expecting their first child together and he considers them an "inspirational" couple to people everywhere.

The pop star - who works with William's father Prince Charles' charity The Prince's Trust to help disadvantaged kids in the UK - said: "I want to congratulate them and I think they as a couple are very inspirational. Besides being involved in the Prince's Trust, they are both inspirational because they are creating life and working on how to raise their kid. I am a bit older than them, so I am thrilled to see a young couple forming a family."

Seeing the pair so in love and ready to become parents makes will.i.am realize how lucky he was to have such a fantastic mother who raised him as a single parent.

Speaking at The Noble Gift Gala 2012, which was held at the ME Hotel in London on Saturday night, he told BANG Showbiz: "You know, I never knew my dad, and my mum was like acting as both parents, so it is always moving to welcome a new baby from a couple like this. I will send them all my love and prayers."

The event was held by Eva Longoria to raise money for The Eva Longoria Foundation, Fight for Life and Caudwell Children charities.

During the evening, will.i.am was presented with the 2012 Noble Gift Humanitarian Award at the event for his outstanding contribution to charity. Amongst his philanthropic activities, will.i.am created his i.am.angel Foundation to provide after-school tutoring and scholarships for disadvantaged young people seeking to attend university through his i.am College Track Programme.

Noel Gallagher has advised Britain's Prince William to rejoin the army once he becomes a father

Prince William in uniform

The second-in-line to the throne is expecting his first child with wife Duchess Catherine and father-of-three Noel says if William wants some peace and quiet, he would be better off fighting for his country because the baby will take up a lot of the couple's time and ruin his chances of sleep.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the line-up for the 2013 Teenage Cancer Trust concerts, the former Oasis guitarist said: "They're not the first people in the country to have a child, are they? I've got three, you know. Do I have any advice for them? People write books about that sh*t. Very expensive books - my wife's got 'em all.

"Tell William he'd be better thinking about rejoining the army - he'd have a quieter life."

However, William - who works as an RAF search-and-rescue pilot - wants to be hands-on father and could even scale back on his work once the tot arrives.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "William cannot wait to be a dad. He wants to have the family stability for his heir that he never had. He will even change nappies. He's a modern man."

Duchess Catherine - who is also known as her maiden name of Kate Middleton - is currently in hospital suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (acute morning sickness).

Kate Middleton is starting to ‘feel better’ as she battles morning sickness in hospital

Kate Middleton

The 30-year-old royal - who is expecting her first child with husband Prince William - is currently being treated in London's King Edward VII Hospital and officials say she is responding well to treatment.

A palace spokesperson said: "The Duchess of Cambridge is continuing to feel better. She and the duke are immensely grateful for the good wishes they have received. She will remain in hospital at present."

Yesterday (04.12.12), Catherine - who is also known by her maiden name of Kate Middleton - was visited by William and her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.

After spending six hours by his wife's bedside, William, 30, emerged smiling, indicating Catherine was doing much better.

The duchess has also received a get well soon message from brother-in-law Prince Harry, who is currently fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan.

The thrilled uncle-to-be was given news of his sister-in-law's pregnancy on Monday  and contacted Catherine at her hospital to say he was thinking of her.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Harry jumped for joy when he heard the news that Kate is expecting. He's really looking forward to coming back and can't wait to be an uncle."

Celebrities take to Twitter to congratulate Prince William and Duchess Catherine on their baby news

Prince William & Kate Middleton

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced they are expecting their first child together and stars including Cheryl Cole and Maria Shriver have sent their congratulations to the couple.

Cheryl – who has previously admitted to a crush on William’s brother Prince Harry – wrote: "I'm sooooooo excited that we're having a royal baby !!!! Congratulations to Kate and Wills !!!!!! (sic)”.

Meanwhile, after it was revealed Catherine – who was known as Kate Middleton before her April 2011 marriage – has been admitted to hospital with Hyperemesis Gravidarum [severe morning sickness], Maria revealed she once suffered from the same illness.

She tweeted: “Wonderful news for Prince William & Kate Middleton. Kate has Hyperemesis. Had that with my last child. Not fun at all. Hang in there, Kate.”

Other stars to tweet their congratulations include Olly Murs, who wrote: "Cool #royalbaby that's amazing news!! Dam it how comes they never mentioned it on the XTRA Factor last week haha (sic)," while Katherine Jenkins added: "What lovely news!! Congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge!! #PitterPatter (sic)."

The duchess is believed to be less than 12 weeks along but the news was announced early as she was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in Central London to deal with her illness.
Prince Harry – who is currently serving in Afghanistan – was informed of the news via email, while Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip only found out on Monday before the announcement.

The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant - Kate Middleton and Prince William expecting their first child - PHOTOS

Prince William and the Duchess Catherine, Kate Middleton

PHOTOS - Kate Middleton and Prince William announce they are pregnant - slideshow

The beautiful royal and her husband Prince William - who is second in line to the British throne - announced on Monday they are expecting the first child together.

A statement released by Buckingham Palace on the couple's official website read: "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby.

"The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.

"The Duchess was admitted this afternoon to King Edward VII Hospital in Central London with Hyperemesis Gravidarum [morning sickness]. As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter."

Speculation the duchess - who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage in April 2011 - could be pregnant was sparked last week when on a visit to Cambridge, William accepted a gift of a babygro with 'Daddy's little co-pilot' and a picture of a helicopter on it from new mother Samantha Hill, the motif is a reference to William's RAF search and rescue pilot career.

It had also been speculated the prince will step down from his role as a search and rescue pilot, to return to the Household Cavalry to allow him to move back to London and free up more of his time.

PHOTOS - Kate Middleton and Prince William announce they are pregnant - slideshow

Duchess Kate Middleton returned clothes sent to her by Kim Kardashian

Kate Middleton

Read more: Top designer Roland Mouret says Kim Kardashian has more style influence than Kate Middleton

The British royal is known for championing high street as well as designer fashion, but didn't accept a package sent by the reality TV star and her sisters Khloe and Kourtney from their new Dorothy Perkins range.

A source told The Examiner magazine: "Kate is hardly going to turn up for an event with the queen in a cheap leopard-print miniskirt or gold sequined jacket."

Kim was also said to be keen to meet with Catherine - known as Kate Middleton before marrying Prince William - while she was recently in London, inviting her for tea.

A source said: "The Kardashians want to be as big in the UK as they are in America, and think associating themselves with the Royals, especially Kate, will help them achieve that.

Photos: Kate Middleton and Prince William announce they are pregnant - slideshow

"She hoped Kate might be seen wearing one of the designs out in public, which would give their fashion credentials a huge boost."

Kim, 32, has been vocal about how much she loves Catherine's fashion choices in the past.

She said: "Kate seems like a really sweet person and she's a princess. We love her sense of fashion. She could wear our looks and team it with one of her hats."

A representative for the Duchess made clear most gifts she is sent are returned.

They told website MailOnline: "In general terms, the policy of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is not to accept any unsolicited gifts unless the sender is known personally to His or Her Royal Highness.

"Any such gifts are returned to the sender with thanks and an explanation of Their Royal Highnesses' policy."

Read more: The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant - Kate Middleton and Prince William expecting their first child - PHOTOS

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, voted Britain's Dream Bond Girl

Middleton was voted Britain's Dream Bond Girl

The British royal - formerly known as Kate Middleton - beat a bevy of famous beauties including actresses, singers and models to be crowned the public's ideal 007 sidekick in a nationwide poll by by gadget emporium MenKind.co.uk.

Paul Kraftman, MenKind spokesman, said: "We were surprised to see that Kate Middleton was the woman Britain most wanted to see getting to grips with Bond and his gadgets.

"Although her grandmother-in-law has proved that the royals are a dab-hand at super spy action, when Bond escorted her to the Olympics. It is Her Majesty's Secret Service, after all."

Kate - who is married to Prince William - narrowly beat superstar beauties Rihanna and Beyonce Knowles, while curvy socialite Kim Kardashian came in fourth place.

The fifth star Britain would most like to see alongside Daniel Craig in the follow-up to new film 'Skyfall' is Cheryl Cole, who was just ahead of sultry actress Megan Fox.

British babe Kelly Brook came in seventh place, followed by a surprise entry from outspoken singer Jessie J.
Scarlett Johansson and Kate Moss rounded out the top ten.

Britain's Dream Bond Girl top 10:

1. Kate Middleton
2. Rihanna
3. Beyonce Knowles
4. Kim Kardashian
5. Cheryl Cole
6. Megan Fox
7. Kelly Brook
8. Jessie J
9. Scarlette Johansson
10. Kate Moss

Wealthy tourists are desperate to stay at the plush estate where Kate Middleton was photographed topless

Chateau d'Autet

The royal couple was staying at the secluded Chateau d'Autet retreat in the south of France - owned by Princess Margaret's son David Linley - when the intrusive pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge were snapped last month but Prince William's relative is refusing to cash in on the scandal.
 
A friend close to Mr Linley told the MailOnline that he has been inundated with offers from wealthy tourists hoping to stay at the 19th century hunting lodge since the pictures were published in early September.
 
The source said: "Linley has had mad offers coming in.
 
"Kate and William value him as a cousin and a friend and his refusals to capitalize on the publicity have been noted by the Royal Household. His currency is his silence."
 
Following the publication of the topless pictures, William and Catherine were left "saddened" by the "grotesque" invasion of their privacy, but the Duchess has been determined to uphold her growing public role and scheduled appearances.
 
French magazine Closer was heavily sanctioned for publishing paparazzi shots of the 30-year-old royal without her bikini top on.

Prince William and Duchess Catherine sent Reese Witherspoon’s baby son a Union Jack onesie

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, meets actress
Reese Witherspoon on July 10, 2011. (Reuters)

The 'Sweet Home Alabama' actress and husband Jim Toth welcomed their little boy Tennessee James into the world last month and the royal couple - who Reese met when they visited Los Angeles last year - were among the first to send a gift and a handwritten note.

Reese's 'Water for Elephants' co-star Robert Pattinson, who hid out at her California ranch following his break-up with Kristen Stewart, also sent a lavish gift, a cradle from Posh Tots worth almost $2,000.

A source told America's Star magazine: "Rob was one of the first to call and he even promised unlimited babysitting services. The baby is the toast of Hollywood."

Reese - who has two children, Ava, 13, and Deacon, 8, from her marriage to Ryan Phillippe - previously joked she was upset not to be invited to William and Catherine's wedding as she had asked them to go to hers.

Speaking before the pair married, she said: "I can't even contain my enthusiasm for the royal wedding! I'm kind of bummed I'm not invited to the royal wedding. My girlfriend asked me if I was invited. Well, no, but I invited them to my wedding!"

Kate Middleton and Prince William refuse to let topless pictures ruin their tour of the Far East

Kate Middleton and Prince William

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are refusing to let the furore over the topless pictures of Duchess Catherine ruin their tour of the Far East.

The royal couple are currently on an official visit to Asia as part of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and while they are very upset the intimate pictures were published in a French magazine, they won't let it stop them from enjoying the trip.

William's spokesperson told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "They've been very clear that they will not allow this to intrude on their enjoyment of the tour or, more importantly their work on behalf of the queen.

"The couple always felt very strongly about privacy and harassment. It's part of a very long-standing and heartfelt position by the duke and Prince Harry, given their past, to do everything they can to protect themselves.

"They've always said they don't have an issue with the mainstream media just doing their job, but they have always had an issue with ­paparazzi whose work intrudes on their privacy."

However, it will not stop the pair from taking legal action against everyone involved with the pictures, which were taken with a long-lens camera as William and Catherine sunbathed at a private chateau in France.

The spokesperson added: "They will take any action they can within the law to seek redress."

As well as French magazine Closer publishing the snaps, the Irish version of the Daily Star newspaper printed them while Italian publication Chi is planning to.

Duchess Catherine aka Kate Middleton has vowed to help Prince Harry through his naked Las Vegas photo scandal

Prince Harry and Duchess Catherine

The duchess has a close bond with her brother-in-law and told her husband Prince William they should pledge their full support to him following the incident, which saw him pictured nude following a game of 'strip billiards' in his Las Vegas hotel suite.

A source said: "William called Harry straight away and gave him a bit of a telling off. But Kate pointed out he had already been through the ringer and deserved their sympathy.

"She's promised to support him as much as possible and offered to help him come up with a recovery plan to get his public image back on track."

Harry is said to be focused on getting back to work as an army helicopter pilot, even though he expects to be mocked by his pals.

The source added to LOOK magazine: "I think he'll be glad to be around his army mates, as though they're bound to give him a ribbing over his antics, they'll also understand that getting naked and larking about is just laddish behavior."

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge's perfect evening involves cooking for her husband

Kate Middleton watching the Olympics

Catherine - who wed Prince William in a glittering ceremony in London's Westminster Abbey in April 2011 - loves spending the night in with her husband and eschews clubbing dates because she prefers working in the kitchen.

A source told Vanity Fair magazine: "Some might say it's a little dull, but they love it. I saw William recently and he is so happy.

"They've grown out of clubbing and have no interest in parties. They just enjoy being together at home."

Another pal added: "Kate was on the King's Road not so long ago carrying a shopping bag with chicken in it that she was taking home to cook for William's supper. That's their idea of the perfect night."

The whole royal family is said to be delighted with how things are going at the moment as a result of the nuptials.

Another insider added: "There's a happiness in the House of Windsor generally at the moment for the first time ever. Charles and Camilla are genuinely happy. William is happy because Charles is troubled less and he has Kate to share his future with."

Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton plans to redecorate Kensington Palace

Kate Middleton

The Duchess of Cambridge is hoping to recruit interior designer Kelly Hoppen to help her plan changes to her and Prince William's home, which looks set to be the royal couple's official permanent base if he doesn't undertake another tour with the RAF.

A source told Us Weekly: "She's keen to work with interior designer Kelly Hoppen, but she wants to do a lot herself."

Catherine – who was known as Kate Middleton prior to her and William's nuptials – is set to start work on the apartment the pair will inhabit, which used to belong to Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and structural work on the abode is due to begin this September.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently residing at their home in Anglesey, North Wales, where they celebrated the prince's 30th birthday last Thursday June 21.

Catherine served the second inline to the throne breakfast in bed on his landmark birthday, and presented him with an especially designed watch by Crown Jewellers Collins & Sons.

The 30-year-old beauty is also said to be organizing a big party for his 30th birthday and she has enlisted the help of his close friends and brother Prince Harry to create a day to remember for the royal, which will see guests asked to make a brief speech about the prince to "provoke memories" of his student days.

Prince William thinks Queen Elizabeth has done a brilliant job as his grandmother

The 29-year-old admitted that he has always had a healthy respect for his grandparent because she juggled the task with her royal responsibilities well.

He said: "I always remember having a healthy respect for my grandmother. There's such scrutiny on the job that I think you have to be very, very careful how you carve your path. But she's done it brilliantly."

Speaking on 'The Jubilee Queen With Katie Couric' which airs in the United States on May 29 on ABC, he revealed that he and his brother Prince Harry, 27, have been "cheeky" grandchildren.

He continued: "I still think she's just my grandmother, really. I'm probably a bit of a cheeky grandson, my brother as well."

In the program he also talks in-depth about his nuptials one year ago to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

He said of his wedding day: "It was one of those days where you feel very elated. Also completely terrified, I have to be honest. The prospect of two billion people watching was quite daunting."

Kanye West prefers Kim Kardashian to have a 'natural' look like Catherine Middleton

Kayne West & Kim Kardashian

The rapper has been advising his reality TV star girlfriend's style team on how he wants her to look, naming Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, as a reference point.

Kim's stylist Rob Scheppy told the Daily Star newspaper: "Kanye does like to get involved with Kim's look.
"He actually has a lot of input, he has amazing style so we take his opinions to heart and I say, 'OK, I'll try it.'

"Catherine Middleton has influenced her look while in London. Catherine's amazing. We watched her wedding and we thought it was beautiful."

Catherine married into the British royal family when she wed Prince William in April last year.

Rob added 'Stronger' hitmaker Kanye - who has his own women's fashion line DW Kanye West - is not afraid to speak his mind, and dislikes it if Kim wears too much make-up.  

He added: "Kanye's not afraid to say what he likes. He definitely likes the less-is-more look.

"Everyone wants to look good for their man, so Kim will listen and say, 'OK. I'll go with what my boyfriend says.' "

Kanye has been in London over the weekend while he performs with Jay-Z for their 'Watch The Throne' tour, but on Sunday, Kim was the one ordering him around, reportedly sending him away from a party because he spent too much time with fellow revellers.

A source said: "Kim was all over Kanye at the start, but when he started to mix with other people she had a stern word and took him away from the party.

"He followed her orders with minimum fuss. He knows the deal."

Prince William and Duchess Catherine have been praised as the "kindest people"

Kate Middleton and Prince William

The couple tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on April 29 last year and royal wedding photographer Hugo Burnand says taking the pictures on their big day was a dream commission because they are so easy to work with.

Speaking as he launched the Schweppes social monarchs campaign, Hugo exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Prince William and Catherine are the kindest people, they have the most fantastic good manners. It was not just an honour and a privilege to have such an important commission but it was an honour and privilege to work with two such lovely people, they have such kindness and good manners. If everyone was like that life would be a dream."

While Hugo found William and Catherine a joy to photograph, he admitted he made provisions just in case he ran into any difficulties with the younger members of the wedding party.
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He added: "My favourite photograph was the one where they were sitting on the steps in the throne room with all of the bridesmaids around them and we had literally minutes to do that. We had almost run out of time but everyone was organised and we were ready to do it and we had bribes of jelly beans for the kids and within three minutes we were able to get everyone together and take the picture. The personalities of the individuals really shine through because we didn't have time to stage anything and I think it's wonderful."

Hugo Burnand has teamed up with Schweppes to find the nation's social monarchs: the kings and queens of entertaining who are celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in style. To nominate yourself or a friend as a social monarch, or to pick up some great tips for your Jubilee party visit www.schweppesjubilee.co.uk.