The Duchess of Cambridge could become the latest in a long line of female members of the Royal Family to join the Women's Institute.

Kate has expressed an interest in joining the WI, which is traditionally famed for jam, singing Jerusalem and home-made cakes.

She replied in a letter to the WI after Dorothy Pulsford-Harris, president of the 14-strong Anmer branch, invited her to join.

Today Mrs Pulsford-Harris, a retired barrister, said: 'My involvement as president of Anmer WI was to write to the Duchess last year when we heard she would be moving to Anmer Hall in due course, to invite her to consider becoming a member of Anmer WI.

'I received a response from her private secretary to the effect that the Duchess had seen my letter and the accompanying programme with interest and if she wished to obtain further information they would be in touch.'

The Duchess and Prince William have moved into Anmer Hall in the village, after the birth of their second child Princess Charlotte.

Janice Langley, chair of the National Federation of Women's Institutes, said: 'We would be delighted to welcome the Duchess of Cambridge into the WI. The WI has a long tradition of royal members.

'Her Majesty, The Queen, is a WI member and president of Sandringham WI after joining in 1943. The Queen Mother, Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra were also members of the WI. 'Currently, the Duchess of Cornwall and Countess of Wessex are both WI members, and Princess Anne is an associate member.

'The WI is made up of all kinds of women, of all different backgrounds and ages, which is what makes the WI so special. Women of every age are attracted to the WI by opportunities to engage with the local community, the chance to try exciting and unusual activities, informal learning and new skills; and getting involved in campaigning on a wide range of issues.

'We believe the WI has something for everyone, and members have told us that their WI meeting is a really valued opportunity to meet women of different ages, and that they have made really good friends that they otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to meet.' The Queen attends a meeting of the Sandringham WI each February, whilst she is staying at Sandringham after her family's Christmas gathering.

She gives members a talk on royal events over the past year, and usually donates a prize for the raffle.

Anmer WI meets at Anmer Community Hall, which is minutes' walk from Anmer Hall. Forthcoming activities include a visit to Marriott's Warehouse, in King's Lynn, on June 4; a garden meeting at West Acre, on July 2 and a flower arranging demonstration, on August 6.