Britain's Duchess of Cambridge is related to Beatrix Potter.

The 32-year-old wife of Prince William - who is second in line to the throne - is a distant relative of the famed children's author who was born in London in 1866.

Duchess Catherine nee Middleton is related to Beatrix through her great-great-great uncle, Dr Arthur Lupton, whose brother in law, Lord Ashton, 1st Baron Ashton of Hyde, was the Peter Rabbit creator's cousin, reports Telegraph.co.uk.

The pretty brunette's family also own some of the writer's original hand-painted illustrations.

Art historian Micheal Reed said: "Beatrix had given the Middleton family a number of her own drawings, including four for Kate's blood cousins, sisters Elinor and Elizabeth - who were the daughters of Dr Lupton.

"These four drawings were auctioned in 2006 and sold for £41,500."

News of the Duchess' ancestry comes just days after her mother Carole Middleton threw a Peter Rabbit-themed first birthday bash for her and Prince William's son, Prince George.

The party was held at the Middleton's family home outside Bucklebury in Berkshire where party planner Carole brought Beatrix Potter's stories to life.

A friend of the family previously said: "When she chooses a theme there's no holding back.

'There will be pictures and posters everywhere, vol au vents in the shape of rabbits, fun trails, you name it."