Kensington Palace has released a photo of the Duchess of Cambridge to mark her 38th birthday.

Matt Porteous photographed the Duchess sitting on a fence in Norfolk.

However, this occasion has been overshadowed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s shock announcement to ‘step down as senior members of the Royal Family’.

The Queen was the first to wish the Duchess a happy birthday, followed by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Thank you everyone for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday!

Photo 📷 by @MattPorteous pic.twitter.com/lpdsoPnSlQ

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 9, 2020

Catherine ‘Kate’ Elizabeth Middleton was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, the eldest daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton. She has two younger siblings, Pippa and James.

She married Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011, and now have three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.

The Duchess carries out royal duties supporting Queen Elizabeth, both in the UK and overseas, and devotes her time supporting a number of charities and organisations, with several focusing on children with the best possible start to life.