Camilla has revealed the royal family hopes William and Kate's baby will be born 'by the end of the week.'

During a visit to a children's hospice yesterday, she remarked: 'We don't know what's going to happen. We're all waiting at the end of a telephone.

'I hope by the end of the week he or she will be there.'

Prince Charles and Camilla started their annual summer tour of Devon and Cornwall yesterday in the popular tourist town of Bude.

Many mothers brought their babies to meet them - giving them ample opportunity to greet newborns before Kate gives birth.

Trudi Lindsay, from Bude, said she was 'delighted' her three-week-old daughter Ellie-Mae could see the royals.

Mrs Lindsay said: 'I said 'You have got one of these coming soon' and Charles replied 'Hopefully', then he laughed.

'He was very good with Ellie-Mae, he touched her cheek. I still can't believe Prince Charles touched my baby's cheek.

'It is really exciting to have them here in Bude, especially as the weather is so nice.'

Jenny Dawe, 62, who works in a local shop, showed the royals her selection of cards.

'I said 'You will need a new baby card soon' and they laughed,' Mrs Dawe said.

New parents Poppy and Paul Steen brought the.