Kate Middleton's Birthday Portraits Represent Her "Unfurling Her Wings" to Become Queen, Body Language Expert Says
The Cambridges released three photos for the duchess' 40th.
If, like me, you are a weird Kate Middleton nerd-slash-superfan, you probably spent your Sunday gawping at the three portraits of the duchess specially released for her 40th birthday.
If you had, like, plans on Jan. 9, here's what you missed: three stunning photos of Middleton by Paolo Roversi, which are to be exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery in London.
For body language expert Judi James, these pictures are symbolic of what awaits the Duchess of Cambridge in the coming years. "Kate’s 40th birthday portraits show a final unfurling of her wings in terms of her role as future Queen," James tells Express.
"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.
"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.
"Incredibly this is almost the first time Kate has posed for her birthday with her eyes looking direct to camera.
"In some of her previous photos, she has adopted avoidance rituals, either looking away from the lens or being shot out and about on a royal visit.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"The photo in the red dress shows a woman finally happy and confident to look us straight in the eye and engage on a more personal and direct way.
"It suggests Kate finally ‘gets it’ that she is liked, admired and even loved by royal fans in her own right rather than just as a wife to William and mother to their three children."
James' comments echo what all royal experts seem to be saying these days: that the duchess has unmistakably grown in confidence since she first joined the Royal Family. "She has become more relaxed and confident and has gradually spoken alongside William rather than letting him do all the talking," royal commentator Angela Levin previously told Marie Claire.
For body language expert Darren Stanton (speaking on behalf of Be My Bet), her fashion choices especially illustrate this evolution. "Bold colors, sequins and slightly more revealing designs are a very good indicator that Kate now feels like she has found a true inner confidence in her role within the Royal Family and within her relationship with William—with the pair often portraying a power couple when on the red carpet together," Stanton told Marie Claire.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
I Tried Biologique Recherche's Two-Hour Scalp Detox Treatment
Is the French-girl favorite worth the hype?
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Maternity Style Era Is Off to a Must-Shop Start
She knows what she likes—and how to wear it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finale Teased A Game-Changing Cliffhanger—Will There Be a Season 4?
We're on the case of whether or not Mickey Haller and co. are coming back to Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Lady Kitty Spencer Reveals How Her Cousin Prince William "Inspires" Her
"His efforts have made a significant impact."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Is Preparing for a Halloween Break With Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales is spending some quality time with her kids this spooky season.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Originally Bonded Over Their "Naughty" Sense of Humor
"They've certainly cleaned up their act for the children's sake, but they can still make each other double over laughing."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Reveals Kate Middleton's Surprising Favorite Dessert
Count us in!
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Tells a Fan That He and Princess Kate Don't Sleep Alone
So cuddly.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Shares a Personal Message in Honor of Baby Loss Awareness Week
The royal penned a moving note on Instagram.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Once Called Becoming a Member of the Royal Family "A Daunting Prospect" in Resurfaced Clip
A video from the couple's engagement announcement is making the rounds on TikTok.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
All Signs Point to This Being the Next Time We'll See Kate Middleton in a Tiara
A royal expert tells 'Marie Claire' that the princess "will most likely attend" this glittering event.
By Kristin Contino Published