Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is undoubtedly a global fashion icon and has a long line of high-profile fans, including US rapper Kanye West; the musician is believed to have told a pregnant Kim Kardashian, his reality television star girlfriend, to follow the Duchess' fashion statements.

The Duchess, who celebrates her 31st birthday on 9 January, has earned herself that tag of a global fashion icon by subscribing to both off-the-rack dresses and designer labels. In addition, the fact she is unafraid to repeat her outfits or feel the need to dress extravagantly means she has an immense impact on the fashion and style statements of people across age groups and has even come to be branded as an ambassador of London fashion.

A little haute couture, however, never hurt anyone... particularly if it comes custom designed by Victoria Beckham. It appears the 38-year-old former Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer will be the unofficial nanny for Prince William and Kate Middleton's first child together.

"Victoria's promised to help Kate through the pregnancy. She's keen to share the wisdom four pregnancies has given her," a source told Now magazine, adding, "Kate totally admires Victoria and what she's achieved. She also wants to be a hands-on, hard-working mum and wants to know howVictoria makes the whole thing look so effortless."

It seems Victoria Beckham's fashion task will also be to cut the lines for a new wardrobe to accommodate a growing baby bump. Victoria is the mother of four children, with former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham.

Incidentally, Beckham and Kate Middleton reportedly met during the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards in London.

"David and Kate had a great catch-up at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards last month. They chatted about Kate's health and David told Kate that Victoria sent her best wishes," the source said, adding the two also joked about parenting responsibilities.

The Beckhams were present for Prince William and Kate Middleton's fairy-tale wedding back in April 2011 and the Duke of Cambridge and the former LA Galaxy midfielder worked together during the United Kingdom's bid for the FIFA World Cup and the London 2012 Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Duchess has come forward to help the East Anglia's Children's Hospices' (EACH) annual charity auction. She became a patron of the organisation in January 2011. EACH provides assistance for the families of young people with serious, life-threatening diseases.

"EACH is invaluable to hundreds of families. In the past year, there has been an unprecedented amount of care and support delivered to children and young people with life-threatening illnesses, and their families," Kate Middleton explained in a statement, on the auction's Web page.