What Kate’s birthday pics really mean

Her stunning 40th portraits hide important messages

Apart from the odd dazzling red-carpet appearance, we’re used to seeing Kate Middleton in casual garb in Cambridge family photos – but for her 40th birthday earlier this month, three sensational pictures were released of her. Taken at Kew Gardens by fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, the Duchess of Cambridge looked regal in three beautiful Alexander Mcqueen gowns, with jewellery from the Queen and Princess Diana’s collections. Each picture has a special significance, paying tribute to official royal portraits of bygone eras.

In one, the mum of three wore the Queen’s earrings with a red dress, honouring her grandmother-in-law and the monarchy. Her accessories are believed to represent and symbolise her future important role as Queen Consort – the highest-ranking woman in the royal family. Kate wore Diana’s pearl drop earrings in the other two shots, paying a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law and implying a continuation of the Princess of Wales’ legacy. There’s also a “secret” pic of Kate dancing on set that’s yet to be made public. “I made her dance in front of my camera. It’s a secret image for now,” Paolo said.

The photos, evoking Cecil Beaton’s royal snaps of the ’40s and ’50s, were chosen by Prince William and their children, George, eight, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three. They’ll be placed at the National Portrait Gallery in London after being shown at three “special” spots for the duchess – her birthplace of Berkshire; St Andrews, where she went to university and met Prince William; and Anglesey, where she and Wills lived in the early years of their marriage.