Duchess of Cambridge visits Downton Abbey studios

The Duchess of Cambridge got VIP treatment from the cast of Downton Abbey as she visited the set today.

Eight-months pregnant Kate met all the lead characters apart from Dame Maggie Smith, who was unable to attend because of illness.

The kitchen staff baked her a cake and the footmen even offered to clean her shoes, joking: "You can take advantage of our services if you like".

Downton fan Kate is credited with boosting the ITV show's popularity in America after mentioning she liked the drama.

ITV News Correspondent Nina Nannar reports:

The Duchess of Cambridge was presented with a cake by Downton Abbey cooks Mrs Patmore and Daisy on her visit to the show's studios today, but the stars admitted they didn't bake it themselves.

"Are you both fantastic cooks?" the Duchess asked actors Lesley Nicol and Sophie McShera on receiving the chocolate cake.

"You wouldn't want it if it was cooked by us," joked Nicol.

The Duchess of Cambridge shared a joke with Downton Abbey's Carson during her visit to the show's set today, asking him if his suit and bow tie were "usual attire".

Carson, played by Jim Carter, responded "this is my relaxing gear", as he showed Kate the costumes trailer for the series.

The Duchess of Cambridge watched filming of a new episode of Downton Abbey as she visited Ealing Studios today.

To mark her visit, the team behind the show left a small tribute on her headphones, by way of a label marked 'HRH'.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been handed a wooden train as a gift for Prince George during her visit to the set of Downton Abbey - given to her by his namesake in the show, Master George Crawley.

The cast also posed for a portrait with Kate as her visit at Ealing Studios neared its end.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been given the full tour of the Downton Abbey set today, with the manor's staff baking her a cake and even offering to polish her shoes.

A child actor who plays Master George Crawley in the hit series Downton Abbey turned shy as he handed flowers to the Duchess of Cambridge on her visit to Ealing Studios this morning.

The Duchess, who along with husband William is believed to be a fan of the show, is meeting the show's actors and behind-the-scenes staff today during her visit - which is used for part of the show's filming.

The Duchess of Cambridge has begun her visit to the studios of ITV series Downton Abbey.

Kate was handed flowers shortly before she met Lord Fellowes, the creator of the hit show at Ealing Studios in west London.

The Duchess, whose baby is due next month, wore an outfit from British maternity label Jojo Maman Bebe.

She then met with hair and make-up stylists who were working to prepare some of the show's stars for filming.