Kate Middleton

The Royal couple are familiar faces to millions across the globe, making their image rights hot property

Fame: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are friends with the Beckhams

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have followed their chums the Beckhams by setting up companies to protect their 'brand' and intellectual property rights.

"William and Kate have told lawyers to establish firms in each of their names, it was reported last night.

"The move allows them to sell offically-endorsed products and take action against companies selling items that harm their image."

The Royal couple are familiar faces to millions across the globe, making their image rights hot property.

Their popularity and perceived glamour, was reflected in the tens of millions who watched the Royal wedding live on TV in 2011.

Huge World attention was also drawn to the birth of the couple's first child, Prince George, last year.

The couple are reportedly searching for a new nanny to take on their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Their current nanny Jessie Webb - who cared for the Duke of Cambridge when he was a child - is understood to have reached the end of her contract.

Mrs Webb, 71, is believed to have come out of retirement to look after Prince George on the understanding that she would work only for three months - although she is reportedly still at Kensington Palace.

William and Kate are said to be keen to retain her services, but are also looking for extra help for the month-long trip this spring.

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