Happy Kate Middleton’s 40th birthday to all who celebrate! The Duchess of Cambridge has hit a birthday milestone, and while she’s reportedly keeping it low-key for the actual celebration, plenty of people want to pay tribute to the future Queen of England. In one gorgeous instance of a tribute to Kate, the National Portrait Gallery—to which Kate is a long-time patron—released three beautiful new images of the Duchess, which the Cambridges shared on their Instagram.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
The first image, shared by the couple Saturday night ahead of the event, is in a nostalgic black and white and shows Kate in an ethereal white dress with a pearl earring. The jewelry choice is actually a deliberate nod to Princess Diana: The Collingwood pearl and diamond drops belonged to the late Princess, making the jewelry’s prominent inclusion in the portrait all the more meaningful.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
The second portrait shared by the royals shows Kate smiling in a one-shoulder red dress by Alexander McQueen (she wears dresses by the designer in all three images). That portrait, shared the morning of her birthday, also includes details about where the images will be headed as part of the National Portrait Gallery. Captured by Paolo Roversi in Kew Gardens, they will appear as part of the gallery’s ‘Coming Home’ exhibition. Each photograph will be displayed in a different place—Berkshire, St. Andrews, and Anglesey—and will remain in the gallery’s permanent collection.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
The third image, another black and white of Kate in a white dress, is giving bubbly 1980s prom queen. To this imageKate added her own personal note: “Thank you for all of your very kind birthday wishes, and to Paolo and the National Portrait Gallery for these three special portraits.” She signed the note “C” for Catherine.
According to the Daily Mail, a palace source also explains that the images show the three sides to Kate’s personality. “There is the regal side to her – as you can see in the classic shot where she is looking off into the distance; there is the more informal image in the red dress as a modern woman at 40; and then there is the close-up, which offers a more intimate perspective,” the source said.
Happy birthday, Kate!
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Is Bringing Visible Bra Straps Back
The pop-punk princess wore custom Victoria's Secret at Coachella.
By Julia Gray Published
-
Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Cookery Show Begins Filming Today—But Not Where You’d Expect It to Be Shot
The Sussexes are having a busy week this week, shooting both of their his-and-her Netflix shows and rolling out the first product offering for Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
How I'm Redefining My Wellness Journey in 2024
Sponsor Content Created With The Honey Pot
By Aniyah Morinia Published
-
How the World Is Reacting to Kate Middleton's Health News
World leaders and celebrities alike rushed to offer their sympathies to the princess and her family.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Kate Middleton Carefully Chose the Day She Would Reveal Her Cancer Diagnosis
Friday is an important milestone for Kate and William's children.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
If Prince Harry Does Attend the Coronation, He Will Avoid Bowing to Queen Consort Camilla
Plans are being drawn up to avoid the potentially awkward moment.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Royal Family Would “Collapse” Without Catherine, Princess of Wales, As the “Future Rests on Her”
No pressure!
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Paris Hilton Calls Princess Diana Her Idol, Says She’s Rooting for Prince Harry
Hilton and Harry both released memoirs this year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Next Royal Adjacent Wedding Is Coming Up—Soon
Let us (re)introduce you to the bride, Lady Amelia Spencer.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Catherine, Princess of Wales’ Daring Erdem Look from This Week Has a Deeper Backstory
A British fashion label apparently became a divisive element in her relationship with sister-in-law Meghan Markle.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
While the Royal Family Skipped Princess Lilibet’s Christening, Princess Diana’s Two Sisters Were There
Prince Harry did have family at the event, even though there were no royals.
By Rachel Burchfield Published