(Cover) - EN Showbiz - The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed she is eager to start a family.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embarked on an 11-day tour of Canada and the US last week, and during a visit to Quebec City the Duchess, Catherine Middleton, had a heart-warming encounter with a two-year-old girl yesterday which highlighted her desire to have children.

Catherine was given a bouquet of flowers by "beautiful" Raffaela, daughter of British expat David Cheater, and when the latter wished her well in starting a family she expressed her eagerness.

"Yes, I hope to," replied Catherine. The royal and her husband of two months, Britain's Prince William, had previously explained their desire to eventually become parents when they first announced their engagement last year.

The royals enjoyed a visit to the Quebec Tourism and Hotel Institute in Montreal where they sampled fine cuisine including Lake Brome duck and les-de-la-Madeleine lobster. William even tried his hand at making a souffl with Jean Charest, the current Premier of Quebec.

William also won plenty of admiration for a speech given entirely in French in Quebec City, where he had thanked listeners for being "patient" with his accent. Earlier on in the day the royal couple visited a drop-in centre for homeless youngsters, Maison Dauphine.

"They have an aura. There's a purple light around them," 23-year-old member Marie-Pier is quoted as saying by People. "It puts you at ease." (C) Cover Media