The Duchess of Cambridge

The Duchess of Cambridge

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge has been encouraged to breastfeed her baby.

The trend-setting royal - who is expecting her first child with her husband Prince William next month - was publicly urged by TV and radio presenter Beverley Turner to help boost the dwindling number of new mothers choosing to breastfeed, after statistics fell for the first time in over a decade in the UK.

Beverley wrote in The Telegraph newspaper: "We need women with power and influence to get their milky bosoms out and feed smiling in paparazzi pictures. Celebrity is depressingly powerful in dictating trends.

"As if there wasn't enough pressure on her already, what we really need is The Duchess of Cambridge to get her Royal orbs out to feed our future monarch. And to be applauded - not seethed at - for doing so."

While it is unclear whether the 31-year-old star will adhere to the controversial comments, Catherine has already announced her decision not to employ a maternity nurse after the baby's birth.

She is also expected to break with royal tradition by moving back to her family's home in Berkshire so she can spend the first six weeks after the baby's arrival with her own mother, Carole Middleton.

The brunette - known as Kate Middleton before her marriage - will give birth mid-July at London's St Mary's Hospital in the private Lindo Wing.