Beyonce Knowles has been named People magazine's World's Most Beautiful Woman.

The 30-year-old singer took the top spot on the US publication's annual list ahead of stars including Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Wiig, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman and says becoming a mother in January has made her feel more beautiful than ever.

She said: ''I feel more beautiful than I've ever felt because I've given birth. I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.''

Beyonce - who has been married to rapper Jay-Z for four years - says she is thrilled at being a mother because she now leaves a ''legacy''.

She said: ''The best thing about having a daughter is having a true legacy. The word 'love' means something completely different now. She's just the cutest thing.''

The Duchess of Cambridge, who celebrates her first wedding anniversary this weekend, also made it onto the list.