Stunning new birthday portrait of Kate Middleton released amid Harry and Meghan's shock news

Photo / Getty

Photo / Getty

The Duchess of Cambridge has celebrated her 38th birthday with a stunning new portrait.

Shared to the royal's official Instagram account, the snap - taken by photographer Matt Porteous - shows Kate Middleton smiling as she sits on a wooden fence wearing a casual and chic ensemble.

"Thank you, everyone, for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday!" the photo was captioned.

The photo appears to have been taken during the same photoshoot at Anmer Hall in 2018 which gave us the Cambridge's adorable family photo.

Sadly Kate's birthday has been somewhat overshadowed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's shock announcement that they will "step back" from the Royal Family.

However, that didn't stop the Sussexroyal Instagram account from leaving Kate a birthday well-wish in the comments section of her photo, writing: "Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today!"

The Queen also wished her granddaughter-in-law "a very Happy Birthday", sharing a selection of photos of the royal pair together.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall also shared some sweet snaps in honour of Kate's birthday.

Elsewhere, Queen Elizabeth II is apparently working to find "workable solutions" after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would be stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family.

The 93-year-old monarch has announced she will be teaming up with her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William to work "together at pace” with the Sussex household after they stepped back from royal duties earlier this week.

A new statement from the Royal Family reads: "The Queen, the Prince Of Wales and Duke of Cambridge have directed their teams to work together at pace with the government and the Sussex household to find workable solutions."

On Thursday the Sussexes - Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan - unveiled a brand new website following on from their announcement, which detailed plans for their "new working model" as the couple intend to move into a "progressive new role”.

The website explains the pair's new media relations policy, as well as looking at the future of their charities and explaining how they will be funded.

At one point, the site explains: "Under the current structure and financing arrangements, they are prohibited from earning any income in any form."

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“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

The new system will see them give up their Sovereign Grant income - which comes from the money the Queen gets from taxpayers each year - and instead earn money through commercial deals and charity work.

Sussexroyal.com noted that Harry and Meghan "value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing" - although they will still continue to base themselves at Frogmore Cottage with the Queen's permission, and taxpayers will fund their security.

The detailed website also addresses changes to their approach to the media, including stepping away from the 'royal rota' system and offering access to invited media, as well as offering news via their own official channels and communications.

- Bang! Showbiz, additional reporting by The Hits.

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