Forty and fabulous! The Duchess of Cambridge celebrated her milestone 40th birthday on Sunday (Jan. 9). To mark the special occasion, Kensington Palace released three stunning new portraits of the future Queen consort.
“Like a fairytale,” a social media user commented on one of the photos, while another wrote: “In a word; regal. Future Queen❤️.”
The images of Kate were taken by photographer Paolo Roversi back in November at Kew Gardens. The portraits will enter the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, of which the Duchess is patron.
Scroll to see all of Kate’s photos and learn more about them...
The Duchess wore three gowns by her wedding dress designer, Alexander McQueen, for the 2021 photo session. Kate accessorized this particular ethereal design with her late mother-in-law Princess Diana’s diamond and pearl drop earrings.
“Taking the portrait of Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, was a true honour for me, and a moment of pure joy. I was moved by her warmth and friendly welcome and enchanted by her shining eyes that reflected the loveliness of her soul and her smile showing the generosity of her heart,” photographer Paolo said (via
HELLO!
). “It was a profound and rich experience for me, an unforgettable moment. I have met a wonderful person, a person who, with her positive energy, can bring hope to the whole world.”
Kate looked radiant in a one-shoulder red gown (featuring pockets!) paired with diamond earrings belonging to Queen Elizabeth.
HOLA! USA
’s sister brand
HELLO!
understands that the Duchess had a distinct style in mind and that the photo shoot was very much a collaboration between her and Paolo.
The Duchess’ pictures will be part of the National Portrait Gallery’s Coming Home project, which is a nationwide initiative that sees portraits of well-known individuals sent to locations that they are closely associated with. Over the course of 2022, the royal mom of three’s portraits will be displayed in Berkshire, St Andrews and Anglesey, three places that have a special meaning to Kate. Details on when and where each portrait will be shown will be announced by the National Portrait Gallery in due course.
,type=downsize)