Britain's Duchess Catherine visited the set of 'Downton Abbey' today (12.03.15).

Britain's Duchess Catherine at Ealing Studios

Britain's Duchess Catherine at Ealing Studios

The 33-year-old beauty met cast and crew members from the ITV period drama and received a tour of the set at Ealing Film Studios in west London, having previously admitted she is an avid viewer of the programme.

After arriving at the studios, Catherine - who was dressed in an elegant cream coat from maternity label Jojo Maman Bebe - was presented with a bunch of flowers by four-year-old actor Zac Barker, who plays Master George in the show.

During the tour, the royal - who is eight months pregnant - met cast members including Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern (Lord and Lady Grantham) and Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), who tweeted about the royal visit earlier in the morning.

She wrote: "Ooooo, we've got an exciting day ahead on the Downton set, a very special visitor is popping in..... X (sic)."

Unfortunately Dame Maggie Smith was unable to be present on set due to illness, but filming for the show's sixth series continued under the watchful eye of the duchess.

As well as receiving a sneak-peek of a forthcoming scene filmed in the servants quarters during her 90-minute visit, Catherine toured the prop store, construction workshop, hair and make-up department and bedroom sets, and was presented with a chocolate cake topped with the 'Downton Abbey' logo in the kitchen.

The visit was arranged by Kensington Palace to "celebrate the success of the award-winning production" which is broadcast in 250 territories around the world.