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Three new photographs of the British royal Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, were released by Kensington Palace on January 8 to mark her 40th birthday.

The soft-focus portraits are photographed by veteran Italian fashion photographer Paolo Roversi. These portraits will be added to the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, of which Kate is the patron.

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One of the photographs shows a profile of Kate looking off to the side in a white gown similar to a wedding dress, while her sapphire engagement ring — formerly worn by William’s mother, Princess Diana — is prominently on display.

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Another, the only one of the photographs in colour, shows Kate in a red gown turning towards the camera with a broad smile.

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The third photograph shows Kate in a frilly white top,again smiling at the camera.

The three photographs, which have neutral, non-descript backdrops, were all taken in November at the botanical gardens in Kew, west London, Kensington Palace said.

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Duchess of Cambridge – Kate Middelton – joined the royal family in 2011 when she married Prince William who is second in line to the throne.

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