Duchess of Cambridge’s 40th birthday marked with trio of new photos
The Duchess of Cambridge has marked her 40th birthday by releasing three glamorous portraits of herself.
Pictured in different Alexander McQueen dresses, Kate posed for fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, who has worked with stars such as Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss and described photographing the duchess as “a moment of pure joy”.
Roversi said the duchess could “bring hope to the whole world” with her “positive energy”.
The duchess will reportedly celebrate her 40th birthday on Sunday in private with family at the Cambridges’ home in Norfolk.
Roversi said: “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.
“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.”
In the only coloured image of the series, Kate wears a red asymmetric off-shoulder McQueen dress, earrings loaned by the Queen, and an open hairstyle with loose curls while striking a casual pose with her hands seemingly in the gown’s pockets.
The remaining images have been produced in monochrome.
In one, a head and shoulders image, she smiles broadly while the other shows her sitting in profile and looking into the distance, with her engagement ring prominently on display against the light fabric of her dress.
In both photographs, she wears earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, PA reported.
Ahead of her birthday, Kate was praised for her “vision and commitment” in establishing her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to support the development of children.
Michael Samuel, chairman of trustees at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, one of the country’s leading mental health charities for children and young people, commended the likely future queen for her work championing research into a child’s formative years, adding she had shown “passion and compassion” in her role as the organisation’s patron.