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“Thank you everyone for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday!” are the words that Kensington Palace captioned a new picture of Kate Middleton to mark her 38th birthday today. The lovely picture was taken by photographer Matt Porteous – who is one of the Cambridge’s favorites for family events – he’s been responsible for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s family Christmas cards over recent years. The portrait shows a radiant Duchess, her hair loose, and dressed in simple jeans and a gray sweater, sitting on the fence of what looks like the gardens of Anmer Hall, their summer residence in Norfolk, in the east of England.
To complement this latest picture of Kate, we’ve added some other important images that tell the story of her life. Her early years as a student, her love story with Prince William, the incredible job she’s doing as member of the royal family and as a mom... Happy birthday Duchess!
© Matt Porteus/KensingtonroyalKate Middleton celebrates her 38th birthday with this beautiful photo
Royal watchers have reacted to the new picture with enthusiasm, flooding the social media acount with their sweet comments: “What an amazing lady, a wonderful ambassador, mother, wife you set a fine example to us all,” said one of them. The Duchess is expected to celebrate such a big day surrounded by her loved ones: husband Prince William, six-year-old Prince George, four-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 20-months-old Prince Louis.
© GettyImagesA bright student and a future royal
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born on a day like today in 1982. She has a younger brother, James, and a younger sister, Pippa. Her family moved to Jordan for a couple of years when she was a two-year-old baby. When back to England she proved to be a great athlete and a bright student. She graduated in history of Art at St Andrews University, where she met the love of her life, Prince William.
© GettyImagesKate Middleton and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010
After finishing their university studies, Kate and William continued with their relationship, and although they broke up briefly in 2007, the couple reunited and their bond became stronger. In November, 2010, when the Duchess was 28 years old, she officially became Prince William’s fianceé. The blue dress she wore for the occassion, matching the stunning ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, is now a classic in the royal fashion history
© GettyImagesKate Middleton and Prince William´s fairy-tale wedding
And the day arrived! The next year, on April, 29, William and Kate tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The Duchess of Cambridge chose a delicate lace gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
© GettyImagesKate Middleton and Prince William become parents for the first time
In 2013, the happy couple welcomed their first child, a handsome little boy who has stolen his parents’ - and the world’s - hearts. Prince George is the third in line of succession to the throne after his grandfather Prince Charles, and his dad, Prince William.
© GettyImagesAdorable Princess Charlotte joins the royal club
Two years later, in May. Kate and William welcomed a new member of the family. Beautiful Charlotte, who has been compared on many occassions to her great grandmother Queen Elizabeth, has proved on several public events to be as adorable as older brother George but slightly more spontaneous.
© GettyImagesDoting mom of three
There are many reasons why Kate Middleton has conquered the royal watchers’ hearts. She is a kind, competent professional but also a loving mother. And over the years she has shown on many occassions the affection she feels for her family, like in this image taken during Trooping the Colour last year, where the Duchess attends to her youngest son, Prince Louis.
