Kate Middleton to become 'third most beautiful royal'

According to the poll of 127,000 people, carried out by dating website 'BeautifulPeople.com', 29-year-old Kate has an approval rating of 84 per cent, with the late Princess of Wales close behind on 82 per cent.

Princess Grace of Monaco, also known as the Oscar- winning actress Grace Kelly, has, however, topped the survey with a 91 per cent approval rating, closely followed by Queen Rania of Jordan, on 90 per cent.

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden came top among royal men, while Princes Harry and William took the fourth and fifth spots respectively. The brothers' father, the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles was voted the 10th best-looking royal male.

The Princess Royal was the lowest ranking royal in the beauty stakes, according to the poll. "Kate Middleton is no typical beauty. But her style, deportment and immaculate grooming have clearly won her an army of admirers, propelling her to the same heights as Princess Grace and Queen Rania.

"I think the world is breathing a sigh of relief that the British monarchy can only get better looking in generations to come," 'The Daily Telegraph' quoted Greg Hodge of the website as saying.

Kate and Princess William got engaged last October and are to tie the knot on April 29 at Westminster Abbey in London.