Already destined to be Queen of Style...

By Harriet Wheeler

EXPRESS FASHION EDITOR

WHAT a difference 10 years has made since Kate Middleton joined the Royal Family, and ever since she put on her first pair of nude tights she has been prepped to be Queen.

Judging by these beautiful pictures to celebrate her 40th birthday it’s clear that she’s going to be the Queen of Style.

Just like with her wedding dress, Kate chose three stunning Alexander Mcqueen dresses, each very different to her usual modest style.

Some may say she has broken the typical royal dressing protocols by showing her shoulders, but she still kept it sophisticated and regal.the risk was so worth it!

The red, puff-sleeve one-shoulder dress is very striking and something we’ve not seen her in before. She has paired it with the Queen’s diamond earrings and a soft red lipstick to give it an elegant Hollywood feel.

We’re used to seeing Kate with bouncy, subtly curled hair but, for the first time, it feels like we’re seeing the real, natural Kate with her soft, ethereal-like curls.

She is beaming from ear to ear and that’s so refreshing to see.

The regal black-and-white shot of the Duchess in a stunning tulle gown, looking away from the camera, resembles Queen Victoria’s official portraits, and Kate certainly knows how to channel a predecessor.

She has also paid homage to Princess Diana by wearing her pearl drop earrings, which seem to be a firm favourite of Kate’s.

She has definitely followed in her late mother-in-law’s fashion footsteps and I think Diana would have approved of the fashion icon that Kate has become.