Downton Abbey Receives a Royal Visitor, Kate Middleton

Britain's Royal Family are making it a habit of sorts to drop by the sets of popular TV shows - announced, of course. Last year, the Queen visited the Game of Thrones lot in Ireland and on March 12, Kate Middleton thrilled the cast of upstairs-downstairs period drama Downton Abbey by paying a visit to Ealing Studios, where the series is partly shot.

Kate, who is pregnant with her second child, showed off her almost invisible baby bump in a Jojo Maman Bebe 'Princess Line Maternity Coat', which she styled with black pumps and a clutch.

She chatted with Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt, who play Lady Mary Crawley and lady's maid Anna Bates respectively.

Kate conversed with actress Phyllis Logan, dressed in the black costume of Downton's housekeeper Mrs Hughes.

Kate also took a trip down to the kitchen to chat with Lesley Nicol and Sophie McShera, who play the cook Mrs Patmore and kitchen maid Daisy.

She also met the fearsome Mr Carson, the butler who rules the staff at Downtown with an iron hand, and didn't seem in the least bit fazed. Jim Carter, the actor who plays Mr Carson, seemed thrilled.

Kate seemed fascinated by the servants' bells, shown to her by actor Brendan Coyle, who plays the role of valet John Bates, and the show's creator Julian Fellowes.

Actor Robert James-Collier, who plays the role of the antagonistic Thomas, also scored a picture with Kate.

To George, with love from George: Oliver Barker, who plays the role of Master George Crawley, had a present for Kate's little Prince George.

While Oliver had a gift for Prince George, his twin Zac Barker, with whom he shares the role, presented Kate with a bouquet.

While on the sets, Kate was very much interested in the costume production of the TV series, which is set in the post-Edwardian era.

Kate also watched a scene being filmed.