Kate becomes honorary member at Wimbledon

The Duchess, an ardent tennis fan, is already a Centre Court regular alongside husband Prince William or sister Pippa Middleton and will now be seen more often at the world-famous All England Tennis Club as a member.

United States player Andy Roddick, who had featured in three Wimbledon finals besides winning 2003 US Open, has also been granted honorary status.

"The Duchess was pleased to accept the kind offer, particularly given her interest in tennis," a Palace spokesperson said.

Some reports suggest she may be invited to succeed the Duke of Kent, 77, as club president when he decides to stand down.

However, with a baby on the way in July, Kate is unlikely to catch much of the Wimbledon tennis season this year.

Earlier this week, it was revealed she was undergoing hypnotherapy, after a severe bout of morning sickness earlier in her pregnancy.

The Duchess' childhood friend Jessica Hay told 'Evening Standard' that the Duchess still looks at food and feels nauseous.

"She's been plagued with that feeling you have when you've had food poisoning and your stomach's shrunk. She finds it very hard to eat a full meal and gets full very quickly.

"The hypnotherapy is taking away any negative thoughts connected with food from the morning sickness, and replacing them with cravings for healthy, nutritious food," she added.