Kate Middleton Official Portrait Unveiled

Kate Middleton’s first official portrait as the Duchess of Cambridge has been unveiled.

The portrait of Catherine was painted by Paul Emsley last year, and from this afternoon (January 11th) can be viewed by the public at the National Portrait Gallery as part of their ‘Contemporary Collections’.

Originally, Emsley had planned to produce a more stern-faced portrait, but upon meeting the Duchess, he changed his mind.

He explained to BBC News: "I think it was the right choice in the end to have her smiling. That's really who she is, I think."

The artist also wanted to compliment K-Middy’s most famous feature, adding: "Everyone, I think, recognises her partly through her lovely hair.

"I've altered the colour of the eyes slightly to match the colour of the blouse and the blue background."

The painting took over three months to complete, with Kate apparently telling the artist she thought it was "amazing".

Pics: LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images

CHECK OUT MORE PICS OF KATE MIDDLETON HERE!

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