HRH (Her Royal Hamster): Kate Reveals New Pet

The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed details of a previously unknown member of the royal household – a hamster called Marvin.

Kate made the disclosure while talking with school children at the opening of the new Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace.

Nine-year-old Darcy said of her conversation with Kate: "She said she has a hamster, and Charlotte really likes it because the whiskers always tickle her face."

She also told the children she had two guinea pigs as a child, one called Salt, the other called Pepper.

The mother-of-two was taken on a tour of the play area, reportedly telling a staff member she was "desperate to take her shoes off and run around".

The chairman of Historic Royal Palaces, Rupert Gavin, said the Duchess was "bowled over" by the gardens.

"She could immediately see just how wonderful it was and has said she really is looking forward to bringing her own children," he said.

Kate’s daughter, Princess Charlotte, celebrated her first birthday earlier this week .

The Duchess marked the occasion by releasing photos of the young royal taken at their home in Norfolk.

A week earlier, Prince George was photographed in a monogrammed dressing gown while meeting Barack Obama at Kensington Palace .

The two-year-old had been allowed to stay up past his bed time to meet the US President.