Kensington Place kicked off the celebration of Kate Middleton’s 40th birthday by releasing three new photos taken by fashion photographer Paolo Roversi.

Although the portraits were released on Sunday in celebration of the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday, they were actually shot in November at London’s Kew Gardens.

In one of the photos, Middleton is seen wearing a red Alexander McQueen off-the-shoulder dress. In another portrait, she is seen wearing an elegant white gown with pearl drop earrings that previously belonged to Princess Diana.

The final photo featured Middleton in a ruffled white dress while smiling at the camera. The portraits will enter the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, of which Middleton is a patron.

The release of the photos comes after Royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight Middleton will most likely have a small birthday celebration amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think we are going to see the duchess celebrate her 40th -- it is a milestone birthday, it’s an important birthday -- and I think there will be a celebration, but I think it will be a celebration for family and for close friends,” Nicholl said.

“There was talk of a big party which has apparently been downscaled because of COVID and because of the restrictions. But I suspect that Kate is probably happier having something a little bit more low-key. She had a big 21st birthday, but I think that was the last big birthday that she really, really celebrated.”

Nicholl noted that Middleton would most likely prefer a smaller gathering when it comes to celebrating the milestone birthday.

“Obviously, the duchess is keen to birthday celebrations, but given her nature and she doesn’t like to be the center of attention, she prefers things to be a little bit low-key,” Nicholl said.

“I would imagine that a smaller celebration of the family and friends is probably exactly how she would choose to celebrate her birthday. As long as she’s with her children, her husband, and more likely than not, her family, I think she’ll be very happy.”

Middleton isn’t the first royal who’s had to change their birthday plans. Last year, Queen Elizabeth held a smaller celebration of the Trooping the Color due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Kate Middleton
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington Palace on June 18, 2021 in London, England. The Duchess of Cambridge has launched her own Centre for Early Childhood, to raise awareness of the importance of early years. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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