The Duke of Cambridge reportedly left Queen Elizabeth "livid" by suggesting his wife should take a permanent step back from her royal duties.

The Duke of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge

The Duchess already has two children - Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two - with the Prince and she is currently pregnant with her third child.

Ahead of the arrival of their new baby, Prince William has reportedly proposed the Duchess be relieved of her royal duties to focus on motherhood - but his request is said to have annoyed the Queen.

A source told Life & Style magazine: "The 91-year-old monarch was livid that the future Queen of England would want to lessen her duties.

"He [William] told her Kate wants her public appearances kept to a minimum and he's 100 percent behind her. The conversation was quite icy."

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess recently confirmed they are expecting their third child in April 2018.

A statement issued by Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2018."

The new baby will be the fifth in line to the throne, with Prince Harry - the child's uncle - being pushed into sixth.

It has also been announced that the Duke and Duchess - who was previously known as Kate Middleton prior to her marriage in 2011 - will kick off an exciting year with an official royal tour of Norway and Sweden in early 2018.

Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undertake an official visit to Norway and Sweden at the request of the FCO in early 2018."