Being Laureate does not inspire poetry in Motion

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Speaking to an audience in west London, the current incumbent Andrew Motion said as well as a lack of critical response from his employer, the historic role of scribe to the sovereign had been "incredibly difficult and thankless" and saddled him with a bad case of writer's block.

"I dried up completely about five years ago," the 55-year-old poet and author told the Ealing Arts Festival. He has held the position since 1999 and his works as Laureate include a rap-style elegiac for Prince William's 21st birthday.

Mr Motion added: "The Queen never gives me an opinion. The last thing I did was for her diamond wedding anniversary [in 2007]. Afterward she told me 'thank you' but I have no idea if she really liked it."

Mr Motion added that aspects of the the position, believed to come with an annual £5,000 stipend, were "extremely valuable - such as the chance to speak up for poetry".