Three new photographs have been released to mark The Duchess of Cambridge’s 40th birthday tomorrow.
Three images were taken at Kew Gardens by Paolo Roversi, and show Catherine in different gowns, giving a formal feel to the set. We are told the shoot took in November 2021.
Two are in black and white, while one is in colour. Kate’s hair appears natural and curly in this first photo, contrasted with the formal red statement dress she wears and the glint of a pair of earrings she regularly loans from The Queen.
Lady in red – Duchess of Cambridge wears a statement red McQueen gown for this birthday image
Another close up seems to be slightly blurry, giving an ethereal feel to the image. The Duchess wears a white ruffled one-shoulder gown and smiles at the camera. There are hints of pearl drop earrings amidst her curls.
The dresses she wears are by Alexander McQueen, and the snaps were taken by Roversi, who incidentally shot the label’s Autumn/Winter 2021 campaign.
Duchess Kate smiles
Finally, Kate looks off into the distance, holding onto the shoulder ribbons of her dress and the Bahrain pearl earrings she wears frequently, which were once Diana’s.
Royal fans across social media loved the photos, noting at how regal these looked and were unlike many photos of the Duchess we have had previously.
The images will be on permanent loan to the National Portrait Gallery – one of Kate’s patronages – when the gallery reopens in 2023 as part of the Coming Home exhibition.
Kate wears McQueen dresses in her 40th birthday photos
Reversi said of working with The Duchess of Cambridge: “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.”
He also said it was a ‘a moment of pure joy’, also commenting on how he was ‘moved’ by Catherine’s ‘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’.
