Kate Middleton Baby Bump, Due Date: Pregnant Duchess Attacked by Union Leader Dave Prentis While on Maternity Leave Before July Birth

Dave Prentis, current General Secretary of the United Kingdom's second largest trade union (UNISON), has compared the Duchess of Cambridge to "young women having babies to get state handouts." Prentis made this blatant attack on the 31-year-old mother-to-be during his speech at the union's national conference in which he criticized cuts to the welfare state. Middleton is currently on maternity from her Royal duties and public appearances as her reported mid-July due date approaches. Comments from the Royal family in regards to this comment from Prentis have yet to be released, but some people have already voiced their opposition to the statement.

During the national conference, Prentis joked, "In the tabloid press, so much is written about benefits abuses - young women having babies to get state hand-outs. But conference, that's enough about Kate Middleton."

Henry Smith, the Conservative MP, told the Telegraph, "This is an outrageous personal attack on the Duchess of Cambridge. [British Labour Party politician] Ed Miliband should distance himself from these spiteful remarks."

A Unison spokesman dismissed Dave Prentis' statement as a "throwaway joke." Prentis also criticized the "vile and vicious" bedroom tax and urged people to "fight" the government's policy to the "bitter end."

In other, more lighthearted news, the birth of the future heir to the throne is predicted to boost the United Kingdom's economy in many ways. The public interest in Kate and William's future child increases as the delivery day approaches, and an entire industry is working on Royal Baby-related merchandise to supplement the demand. Public interest grows elsewhere around the world, including the United States, as well. Experts believe that the baby will generate around $400 million in economic activity.

The Royal Family will endorse some products, but others that are a little less "official" are also available in the market. For instance, you can get a mug for $14 that reads: "Shake, Rattle and Rule." There are also some Royal Baby Sick Bags available for purchase, in case you want your child to spit up in fake elegance.

What do you think of these (mostly less than) Royal products?