Kate Middleton at a centenary event at the Tower of London in August

Greer also claimed that the royal, who lives in Kensington Palace quarters with William and baby George, is not allowed to decorate her surroundings.

"Kate is not even allowed to decorate her own houses," she said. "Even the wives of the American presidents get to do that. The whole thing is a mad anachronism. The ‘firm’ tell us that the first born will now become the monarch regardless of sex. Well, big fucking deal!"

It's not the first time Greer, one of the 20th Century's most prominent feminist theorists , has triggered controversy with her observations on women in the public eye.

In 2008, feminist commentators were aghast to hear her ridicule the dress Michelle Obama wore to her husband's presidential victory rally as a "butcher's apron" and a "geometrical hemorrhage".

She caused offence again in 2012 by making reference to the "big arse" of then Australian prime minister Julia Gillard.

Greer later attempted to defend her comments, telling an Australian TV channel, "Women are fat-arsed creatures. Go right ahead Julia, wave that arse!"

Photos: Rex Features

“The Duchess of Cambridge shouldn't be made to go through pregnancy again so soon” Germaine Greer on royal pressure