Kate Middleton may be celebrating her 40th birthday today, but it was royal followers who woke up to a gift this morning, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared three brand-new portraits of Middleton to their Instagram account.
In the photos taken by Paolo Roversi, the birthday girl looks more at ease than ever, giving a wide smile and donning intricate, flowy, red and white gowns. “Thank you for all of your very kind birthday wishes, and to Paolo and the National Portrait Gallery for these three special portraits,” Middleton said in a personalized caption, which she signed with a “C.”
However, there was another special aspect to the duchess's portraits, which we learned thanks to a report from People. It turns out that Kate is wearing accessories that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana.
In the first photo that she posted, the duchess sports a pair of pearl drop earrings that were originally worn by the late Princess of Wales. As Middleton rests her hand on the skirt of her dress, we also get a full view of Princess Di's sapphire engagement ring.
