Kate’s birthday portrait shows her ‘unfurling her wings’ as future Queen – expert

Ms James explained: “Kate’s 40th birthday portraits show a final unfurling of her wings in terms of her role as future Queen.

“Previous birthday portraits and photos have shown Kate in different life roles as mother, wife and working member of the royal Firm, but at last we can see her fully acknowledging and embracing her future destiny in what are her only truly stand-alone birthday portraits to date.”

According to the body language expert, Kate’s portraits show the Duchess is “finally happy and confident” in the royal spotlight.

Ms James added: “This launch of ‘brand Kate’ has been a long time coming, suggesting an ongoing sense of modesty and a desire to avoid stealing the spotlight.