Kate Middleton - The Duchess In An All-New Avatar

As She Celebrates Her 40th Birthday, The Duchess Of Cambridge Channels Her Inner Supermodel In Three Stunning And Regal New Portraits

- Emily Nash

Gazing confidently straight at the camera, this is the Duchess of Cambridge as we’ve never seen her before.

Kate Middleton looks every inch the high fashion model, wearing a red one-shouldered gown, her hands in the pockets and her hair loose and wavy, lifted by the breeze to reveal diamond earrings on loan from the Queen.

Taken at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew last November, the striking portrait is one of three breathtaking images by acclaimed photographer Paolo Roversi to mark the Duchess’ 40th birthday on January 9.

In each, Kate radiates an ethereal beauty in an exquisite gown by Alexander McQueen, the label behind her wedding dress.

PICTURE PERFECT

In the first of the other two portraits, which are in black and white, Kate smiles into the camera, wearing a floaty, ruffled white gown created from remnants of fabric from previous collections, her hair in soft curls.

The final image, meanwhile, recalls the traditional royal portraiture of Sir Cecil Beaton. In it, the Duchess poses in profile, dressed in another f lowing, off-shoulder gown and wearing diamond and pearl earrings that belonged to the Duke’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

HELLO! understands that the Duchess, who studied art history at university, had a distinct style in mind, and the shoot was very much a collaboration between her and Paolo. She is said to be “delighted” with the results.

A PROFOUND EXPERIENCE