Kate Middleton turns 40—three new portraits are released to celebrate the Duchess’ birthday

Kensington Palace has released three stunning new portraits of the Duchess of Cambridge to mark her milestone 40th birthday.

• The Duchess exudes Hollywood glamour in the portraits, which will enter the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery.
• The pictures were taken at Kew Gardens by Paolo Roversi back in November 2021.
• In other Royal News, Kate Middleton likened to Princess Diana in latest birthday tribute.

Three new portraits of the Duchess of Cambridge have been released to mark Kate Middleton’s 40th birthday.

Kate—who was previously left crushed on her birthday—looks stunning in an asymmetric red gown and an ethereal white number. 

The photographs were taken at Kew Gardens back in November 2021, by photographer Paolo Roversi and have left royal fans in awe.

They will enter the “permanent collection” of the National Portrait Gallery, of which the Duchess is a patron. 

Reacting to the new portraits, one fan said, “The future Queen is stunning,” while another said, “Breathtakingly beautiful.”

A third simply said, “Elegance itself.”

Despite spending her birthday in lockdown last year, Kate isn’t expected to throw a big lavish party to make up for lost time this year.

Instead, it is thought she’ll keep it low key and spend the day with Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three.

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! Magazine, “Kate and William are not the sort to go away to celebrate on their own and leave the kids at home.

‘I think the same will apply to Kate’s birthday as it does to Christmas – it will be low-key and it will be focused entirely on the family.”

The Duke and Duchess could have a "joint" birthday party later this summer.

The new photographs, released as a tribute to Kate’s birthday, will no doubt hold a special place in Kate’s heart.

A keen photographer herself, Kate launched the Hold Still project during the covid-19 pandemic in order to encourage people to tell their own story through photography. She has even been praised by a royal photographer for her "beautifully composed" family portraits.

The community project was described as “ambitious” and asked people of all ages to submit a photographic portrait taken during a six-week period focussing on three themes—Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal and Acts of Kindness.

Over 31,000 submissions were received and the final 100 portraits made it into a digital exhibition.