Novelist attacks Duchess as 'shop-window mannequin'

An award-winning novelist has attacked the Duchess of Cambridge for being, what she describes, as a "shop-window mannequin" with no personality, whose only purpose is to breed.

During a lecture at the British Museum, double Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel criticised Kate as appearing to have been "gloss-varnished" with a perfect plastic smile.

Mantel also suggested that Kate was selected for her role of princess because she posed no risk of showing any character.

To listen to the full podcast of Hilary Mantel's speech, click here