Historic Royal Palaces bosses have been branded as dated and archaic after a visitor was reproached for breastfeeding her child in Hampton Court's Great Hall.

The National Childbirth Trust hit out at the palace after member Margaret Mikkelson, 30, was directed to the mother-and-baby room while nursing her six-month-old daughter.

And mothers in Kingston have come out in support of Ms Mikkelsen who said she was made to feel "self-conscious" after being approached by an attendant.

She said: "What I object to was the look of disgust on the member of staff's face. It made me feel I was doing something disgusting. Ever since I have felt self-conscious when breastfeeding in public."

Responding to Ms Mikkelsen's complaint, Historic Royal Palaces, which runs Hampton Court, said its policy is that all visitors should have their chests covered when inside their buildings. This normally applies to men on hot summers days.

In a letter, a spokeswoman said: "We have many visitors of all ages and nationalities who find women breast-feeding either offensive or a welcome distraction to their visit."

"The mother-and-baby room is the only area of the palace where we can guarantee privacy."

But mother-of-two Christine Nevins, from Chessington, joined other mums in speaking out against the policy.

She said mother and baby rooms were like toilets, and added: "If you have a coffee in a restaurant, you don't want to sit in there to drink it or feed your baby in a toilet area. I think if you are discreet about breastfeeding, you shouldn't offend anyone."

Another mother Claire Rice, who is still breastfeeding her baby, said: "I think it is disgusting that Ms Mikkelsen was asked to move. If you are a first-time mum who is a bit self-conscious, then there should be somewhere you can go but you should have the right to feed your baby wherever you like when it is hungry."

The National Childbirth Trust is urging the Historic Royal Palaces to re-think its policy. Its chief executive, Belinda Phipps said: "The palaces may be interested to know that a recent poll showed 84 per cent of adults do not have a problem with women breastfeeding in public."

The trust also criticised Hampton Court Palace for failing to acknowledge its own history.

Ms Mikkelsen said images of women breastfeeding in the King's apartments were clearly visible.