Madonna: Royals need star quality

Madonna has said it is a shame the royal family aren't revered like movie stars any more.

The 53-year-old singer and director - whose directorial debut W.E. tells the story of King Edward VIII's love affair with American divorcee Wallis Simpson - told Grazia magazine she thinks royality such as Prince William and Kate Middleton should be treated like A-listers, not ambassadors for the country.

Madonna said: "I think the royal family of the '30s and '40s were the stars of their day.

"Edward VIII was really like a movie star. People were in love with him. Now, with the royals, their role in society seems to be reduced to being ambassadors.

"I think it's a shame. I like the old-fashioned way."

But royal fan Madonna - who recently revealed she would like her next royal film to document the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first 10 years of marriage - admitted she doesn't move in the same circles as the Windsors.

She said: "I don't get invited to any of their parties!"