Kate Middleton to visit 'Downton Abbey' set

LONDON, March 5 (UPI) -- Kate Middleton will visit the Downton Abbey set next week.

The 33-year-old duchess of Cambridge will tour Ealing Studios and watch the cast film an episode for the ITV program's sixth season March 12, Kensington Palace announced Thursday on Twitter.

Middleton will be greeted by the show's creator and writer, Julian Fellowes, and have the chance to meet stars Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern. The occasion was arranged "to celebrate the success of the award-winning production."

Allen Leech, who portrays Tom Branson on the series, met Prince William in 2013. The actor later recalled the royal run-in on Watch What Happens Live!, and told host Andy Cohen the Duke of Cambridge revealed he is "a big fan of the show."

Downton Abbey airs on PBS in the U.S., and follows the aristocrats and servants who live and work at an English manor in the 1900s. Smith, who plays Lady Violet Crawley, seemed to hint at her departure this week, but clarified she will remain with the show throughout its run.

Middleton and Prince William married in April 2011, and welcomed their first child, Prince George of Cambridge, in July 2013. The couple announced duchess' second pregnancy in September 2014, and the baby is expected to arrive in April.