Royal family 'lucky' to have Kate Middleton

Britain's royal family are "very lucky" to have Kate Middleton, according to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

The brunette beauty will marry Camilla's step-son Prince William at London's Westminster Abbey on April 29 and the duchess revealed the whole family are thrilled with William's choice of bride.

Camilla, who is married to William's father, Prince Charles, said: "Kate's a lovely girl. We're very lucky. I'm very much looking forward to the wedding."

Kate has asked Camilla's three-year-old granddaughter Eliza Lopes to be one of her bridesmaids and although the duchess is worried the huge occasion could be overwhelming for the tot, she thinks it will still be enjoyable.

She said: "One of my granddaughters is a bridesmaid. She's only three and it will be quite nerve-wracking for a little one. But she will enjoy it."

Kate and Camilla were recently spotted enjoying lunch at the Berkley Hotel in London's Knightsbridge, where the duchess gave the bride-to-be plenty of advice.

A fellow diner said: "The women were talking away like mad and none of the waiters could get a word in edgeways to serve their lunch.

"I heard Camilla saying...'if I can give you one bit of advice...' Kate was really enjoying the moment.

"There was one moment which was clearly meant to be amusing when Kate said 'what happens if William doesn't turn up?''Someone else then asked 'is it going to be a sit-down lunch?'

"They followed that with talk of menus. I heard chipolatas, sausages on sticks and mini pizzas, but I don't know whether it was ironic or not."