Kate Middleton's birthday snaps dubbed 'Hollywood' as fans make Meghan Markle comparison (Photos)

Kate Middleton's glam birthday photographs have been dubbed as "Hollywood" and "airbrushed" by royal fans, who have also made comparisons to Meghan Markle.

The Duchess of Cambridge released three portraits yesterday to mark her 40th birthday today (January 9).

In the snaps Kate can be seen sporting different Alexander McQueen dresses as well as jewellery belonging to both the Queen and Princess Diana.

Kate and Prince William's official Twitter account wrote: "Delighted to share a new portrait of The Duchess ahead of her 40th birthday tomorrow.

"This is one of three new portraits which will enter the permanent collection of the @NPGLondon, of which The Duchess is Patron."

"SUPER 'hollywood' glam," wrote one person, before adding: "These don't even look like Kate."

Another person chimed: "Not sure if I really like these all that much. Looks a little too air brushed for my taste."

A third said: "Seriously not the best photos I’ve ever seen of her. Something very weird about them."

"If Meg had done this on her fortieth, she would have been torn to shreds," wrote someone else.

Celebrated fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, who worked with Kate on these snaps, described photographing the duchess as “a moment of pure joy”.

He said Taking the portrait of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was a true honour for me and a moment of pure joy.

"I was moved by her warmth and friendly welcome and enchanted by her shining eyes that reflected the loveliness of her soul and her smile showing the generosity of her heart.

"It was a profound and rich experience for me, an unforgettable moment.

"I have met a wonderful person, a person who, with her positive energy, can bring hope to the whole world."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘bombshell on a timer’ racism claims come back to haunt Prince Charles (Photos)

The Prince of Wales found himself dragged back into the royal racism row after a new book made claims – denied by Charles – that he was the so-called ‘royal racist’, writes Richard Eden.

In Brothers And Wives, by American author Christopher Anderson, it’s reported that Prince Charles asked his wife Camilla how the future offspring of Harry and Meghan might look.

The Daily Mail’s diary editor Richard Eden argues that the main problem is the nature of the original claims made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey that were like ‘a bombshell on a timer, which they could detonate whenever they like’.

‘I don’t know if they regret it now or if they’re happy for it to be hanging,’ he says. ‘But it’s very cruel and I do think very damaging.’

The Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English strongly questions the claims, but says that the entire family are struggling not to be tarnished by the accusations.

‘I think the credibility of the book has been massively called into question and Clarence House calls it a complete work of fiction and not even worthy of comment,’ she says.

‘But I think what it shows us is that this accusation isn’t going to go away and still causes serious problems for the Royal Family… I think it’s something they feel they need to defend themselves against.’

The Prince of Wales was also in the spotlight as he travelled to Barbados this week as the nation declared itself a republic. At one evening event, jetlag appeared to get the better of him, and he appeared to briefly nod off.

The Mail on Sunday’s editor at large Charlotte Griffiths points out that this was probably because ‘it was 3.30am UK time’ and we shouldn’t write off the heir yet.

‘He is working really hard, but this is what he’s been building up to his whole life and 73 is no great age,’ she says. ‘I don’t think we need to worry about him, this is his chance to shine.’

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

Meanwhile, Victoria Murphy, who spent the first half of the week following Charles around the Caribbean tells the programme what she saw and what she thinks this could mean for other countries who share the British Royal Family.

‘There are now 14 countries outside of the UK that still have the Queen as head of state and there have been questions raised with Barbados making this move… as to whether or not this will have a kind of ripple effect,’ she says.

PLUS the Queen’s secret pantomime history has been uncovered. Jess King pays a trip to Windsor Castle to see some of the costumes worn by Her Majesty and Princess Margaret to lighten the mood during the Second World War.

Prince Harry lives in Meghan's world and sees things from her eyes (Photos)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell decision to step down as senior working members of the royal family left the world in shock in 2020.

The earthshaking move of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are living in the US with their two-year-old son Archie and six-month-old daughter Lillibet, has given birth to many questions about their relationship with the monarchy.

Some of the fans and experts believe that Meghan asked Harry to trust her and let her get on with brokering some million-dollar deals for their family.

Previously, it was reported that the Harry was seemingly accepting being second to his wife.

Meghan, who tied the knot with Harry in 2018, was seemingly making all the sacrifices in the beginning and leaving everything for her love and the family she became the part.

The former 'Suits' star was even quitting her day job, moving halfway across the world, and – at the time – dedicating her life to the royal service.

But, the tables have apparently turned after a few years as Harry, according to fans, is living in Meghan’s world, and seeing things from the Duchess's eyes instead of using his own intellects and senses.

Some of the experts also believe that Harry may have the name, but Meghan’s got the vision, the connections, and the willingness to speak out on topics.

The parents of two, who have apparently learnt to live a financially independent life, are doing their best to strengthen their position and earning power in the US to keep the life they’re accustomed.

But, some of their critics think that they are selling their royal lives by appearing in high-profile interviews and sharing their thoughts and self-made reasons of exiting the Firm.

There are also speculations that the Duke's upcoming memoire, which might give them a big financial boost as the media has already created a hype about it, would also reflect Meghan's views about the royal family and be a bombshell to some of the members.

However, some still cling to the hope that the Sussexes still have a "very strong" relationship with the Queen and other royals, and would eventually return to the royal fold after experiencing all their adventures.

Prince Harry ‘felt devastated’ with ‘heartbreak in his eyes’ (Photos)

Prince Harry reportedly felt devastated after he was forced to withdraw from Afghanistan during his days in active service.

A pal of Prince Harry, Royal Marines veteran JJ Chalmers, made this claim while speaking to BBC podcasts about his days as an active soldier in the warzone of Afghanistan.

He started off by saying, "[Prince Harry] has deployed to Afghanistan on Herrick 7. He was meant to be there for six months through the winter.”

"But to be able to do that, and media embargo had been put in place, that no one would write the story that he was there because for understandable reasons, that puts him at risk.”

"It puts the mission at risk, but more importantly, it puts others at risk. And in the blink of an eye, he had to be removed from that situation, which was really tough for him.”

"And I remember watching him come off the plane and I didn't know him at this point but I could see like, I could see the heartbreak in his eyes coming back from Afghanistan and adjusting to the real world is difficult enough as it is.”

"But I could just see sort of disappointment. I think he came down the stairs off the plane and was picked up by you know, a car that took them off but there must have just been a sense of like, I'm back in the real world. That's traumatic, that is traumatic.”

Piers Morgan slams 'stinking hypocrite' Meghan Markle after she 'tried to cancel him', then promises to give her a 'nasty surprise' (Photos)

Piers Morgan has slammed Meghan Markle and accused her of trying to cancel him following his refusal to apologise over his comments about her Oprah interview.

Piers was fired from Good Morning Britain after refusing to apologise for saying he didn't "believe" Meghan's account of her time in the Palace.

Piers says the decision to fire him was influenced by Meghan personally contacting ITV to complain about his remarks.

The 56-year-old has now hit back at Meghan by branding her a “stinking hypocrite” and claimed he will hold both her and Prince Harry to account.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: “Pushy little Princess Pinocchio tried her utmost to cancel me, and she will be in for a very unpleasant surprise when I emerge, like Lazarus, from my den.

“It was a pretty bruising experience on Good Morning Britain but I’m now working somewhere where I’m free to express my opinions.”

Piers walked out on GMB after getting into an argument with weatherman Alex Beresford following Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Hours later he was fired from the show as it was reported that Meghan had "formally filed a complaint" to ITV about his comments, expressing concern they might prove harmful to those struggling with their mental health.

In an article ahead of his first column in the Sun, Piers interviewed himself and reminisced on some of the highlights and low points of his long career.

He also said Meghan once had a “slight crush” on him, claiming she slid into his DMs “within minutes” of him following her and the pair chatted for a “few months” long before she joined the Royal Family.

Parents at Archie's school 'don't care' Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are Royal's (Photos)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are treated like every other parent at son Archie's nursery as others 'don't care' about their royalty.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' s two-year-old son has started nursery nearby the family's Californian home, where he will be taught about “emotional literacy”, mindfulness and how to be kind and environmentalism.

Sources told The Mirror that both Meghan and Harry are regulars on the school run as the other parents and kids don't pay attention to the couples royal ties.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

A parent of one of Archie’s classmates said: “Harry often drops Archie off and picks him up, and seems like a good dad. All the parents have been laidback in welcoming Harry and Meghan, without making a fuss. And to the other kids, Archie is just one of them.

“They don’t know his parents are royalty, and probably wouldn’t care – unless Meghan was a Disney princess.”

Harry and Meghan aren't the only royals on the school run as parents at Prince George and Princess Charlotte's London school are used to seeing the future King and Queen at the gates.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

However, one mum revealed that the royals aren't the most interesting people there.

Parents seemingly don't give them a second glance when they drop George and Charlotte off but there is another mum who people are much more excited to catch a glimpse of.

One parent told the Daily Mail : "No one really gives Kate a second glance when she does the school drop-off.

"We have a Victoria's Secret model doing the school run, too, and the dads are far more interested in her."

Thomas's Battersea offers a varied curriculum, with lessons in ballet and French running alongside the more traditional subjects.

The website states: "Our ambition is to develop in each pupil an enquiring mind and a life-long love of learning.

"Through enthusiastic, inspiring teaching, excellent resources, and a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils are well prepared not merely for the demands of senior school entrance examinations, but also for a rich and fulfilling future.

"The National Curriculum is our starting point, but in each subject work is planned to stimulate and challenge.

"We have high expectations of our pupils and track progress carefully so that the standard and pace of the work suits the individual and ensures that all fulfil their potential."

George and Charlotte are said to be enjoying their time at Thomas's and it's likely that younger brother Prince Louis will join them when he's old enough.

He currently attends The Willcocks Nursery School, following in the footsteps of his big sister.

Kate and William shared a photo of their youngest son on social media to mark his first day.

It showed the little prince sitting on his bike wearing trainers ready for the big day.

Meghan Markle's modest $4,302/month converted garage with mother Doria – details (Photos)

Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry's stunning £11.2million Montecito home with their children Archie and Lilibet is undeniably luxurious, but the Duchess of Sussex lived in much more modest homes with her mother Doria Ragland as a child.

It was reportedly once the garage and loft space for the main property, and according to what appears to be a listing on Zillow, it is now estimated to be worth $1,233,200 to buy and $4,302 to rent, although the price has likely increased significantly since Doria and Meghan lived there.

Photos show three white garage doors at the ground floor level with space for parking out the front, while there were two windows and two doors on the upper level which we assume was Meghan's house. Steps lead up the side of the building, which was painted a pastel orange colour with terracotta roof tiles.

The listing shares a peek inside the two-bedroom home, which has wooden floors, a white kitchen with brown granite work surfaces and a small seating area on the balcony.

Meghan supposedly split her time between the flat and her father’s apartment behind the Hollywood strip until she left for college in 1999.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

Her husband Prince Harry, meanwhile, was raised in Apartments 8 and 9 in Kensington Palace. The Duke of Sussex shared the beautiful family home with his older brother, Prince William, and their parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The young Harry and Willaim have been pictured playing in the playroom, which was located on the top floor, as well as their two bedrooms.

Luxury children’s design company Dragons and Walton Street put the space together and went for a red, white and green colour scheme with a strawberry print carpet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just released first photo of Lilibet in Christmas card with Archie (See Photos)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just released their annual Christmas card which features their youngest child, Lilibet Diana.

Lilibet Diana who was born earlier this year has not been seen by the public just yet, so this Christmas card marks the first time that many people have been able to see what the young royal looks like.

In a photo released by photographer, Alexi Lubomirski, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex looked happy with their two young children as Meghan gently lifted Lilibet over her head and the family laughed at their daughter's delighted expression.

The photographer captioned the post, "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archie and Lilibet. This is one of those rare and special projects, that one is fortunate enough to be a part of."

"To be able to continue the story of this family whom I first photographed as an engaged couple, then on the day of their wedding, as a married couple and now seeing their love manifest into two beautiful children, has been a delightful honor."

"Anyone who has seen my #AllLoveSeries, will know that one of the greatest joys I receive from photography, is when I am able to photograph "love" in some form or another."

"To be trusted by your subjects enough, to open themselves up and have their connection documented and translated into an image, is one of the greatest gifts a photographer can have."

"This day with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was one such joyous experience, and one that I feel extremely privileged to have been invited to capture. X"

Here is how Prince Harry could be involved in Prince Andrew sex case (Photos)

As Prince Andrew’s trial is in the works, Prince Harry could be called upon to testify against him.

According to David Boies, the attorney representing Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was forced into sexual relations with Andrew as part of Epstein’s trafficking ring, said that the Duke of Sussex could be part of the very limited depositions of the trial.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

"He would also be available for deposition as he is in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the US courts," he said.

"But my guess is that we will probably only have the opportunity to take 10 to 12 depositions so we have got to be careful about who we notice."

Furthermore, the added that Meghan Markle could be included in the mix as she is reliable to “tell the truth”.

“She is somebody we can count on to tell the truth.”

David said Meghan was just “one of the people we are considering, we haven't made a decision yet.”

“We would not depose both Harry and Meghan, because we would not have the number of depositions to do that.”

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle planning to ‘trump royals’ with delayed Christmas card (Photos)

Experts recently speculated upon the real reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to release their Christmas card “after everyone else” in a bid to “trump” the rest of the Royal Family.

Royal commentator and expert Angela Levin made this claim during a candid chat.

The topic itself arose during Ms Levin’s interview with talkRADIO she told host Mike Graham when he asked, "Should we be expecting a sort of alternative message from Montecito?"

Ms Levin was quite intrigued with the idea and admitted, "Well, it's quite interesting that we haven't had a Christmas card yet that's released to the public.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

She also went on to add, "But I think they'd like to do it last because they got into the idea that the most senior Royals arrived last and do these things last, so they are going to trump everybody else."

Before concluding Mr Graham stepped in and added, "I mean, it would be amazing if they didn't say or do anything which put them into the public limelight at some point. It'll probably be the two of them, the two kids and maybe her mother."

Meghan may leave Harry to work on something 'bigger and better', Royal commentator reveals shocker (Photos)

Lady Colin Campbell has claimed Meghan Markle would only "split professionally" from Prince Harry for something “bigger and better”.

Meghan joined Prince Harry in the Royal Family when the couple married in May 2018. However, they have since quit as working royal and relocated to the US, establishing a number of ventures together.

This includes setting up their charitable Archewell foundation, through which they have signed deals with streaming giants Netflix and Spotify, although fans are yet to see many releases on either platform.

And, recently, a royal commentator claimed that Harry and Meghan might split professionally, and adopt a new strategy of working solo on causes close to their hearts.

However, speaking on her YouTube channel, royal commentator Lady Colin Campbell, known as Lady C, has suggested these rumours are unlikely to come about.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

“I think she will only leave him - if ever - when something bigger and better comes along,” she claimed

“She [Meghan] is going to need something that is a better supply of what she requires. And I have no doubt that it is a combination of worldly as well as personal; not that easy to replace."

Lady C did, however, acknowledge that there could be some potential benefits to the couple of going their separate ways.

Splitting them up gives them twice the opportunity, twice the manoeuvrability, twice the mobility," she continued.

“If something backfires on one of them, the hope is the other won’t be tainted the way they are being when they do things jointly.”

The Sussexes have faced criticism from some commentators for their work over the last year.

When the couple signed up as impact partners to an ethical investment firm in October, they were criticised by a royal biographer who claimed they “know zero” about finance.

More recently, Harry has been called “out of touch” when he suggested that people should quit their jobs if they feel unhappy while speaking at an event for one of the projects he is involved with.

But, after a report found Meghan was the target of an online “racist” hate campaign, the prince has also taken the opportunity to hit back at online trolls.

Speaking at an online summit, he slammed the term “Megxit” as “misogynistic” and said: “More than 70% of the hate speech about my wife on Twitter can be traced to fewer than 50 accounts.”

Checkout The Best Royal Photos of 2021

From the picture that announced Meghan's pregnancy to images of the royals back at work post-pandemic, here, the most memorable royal photos of the year.

Kate, too, took part in an archery lesson during a visit to The Way Youth Zone.

Kate met an adorable lamb during a visit to Manor Farm in Little Stainton.

Between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Philip's funeral, and the royals' post-pandemic return to work, 2021 has already been a shocking year for the British royal family. Here, the most notable photos from the royals' year thus far.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

Princes William and Harry unveiled a new statue of their late mother Princess Diana on what would have been her 60th birthday. “Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy," they said in a statement.

In a sign that things in the UK are returning to normal, the Queen attended the State Opening of Parliament in London on May 11, even though the event took place at a reduced capacity due to pandemic restrictions.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex attend the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 14, 2021. While the Queen intended to attend, two hours before the event, Buckingham Palace confirms she was not going: “The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today’s Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph. Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service,” the statement read.

In November, Harry and Meghan attended their first public gala since stepping back from their senior royal roles and moving to the United States. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited NYC for the annual Salute To Freedom Gala, an event which raises funds for the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum's educational experiences.

In the early months of the year, the UK was still under a pandemic lockdown, and the royals continued carrying out their duties virtually. Here, the Duchess of Cambridge speaks to Holocaust survivors and youth ambassadors from the Holocaust Educational Trust to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

For little Archie's second birthday, Harry and Meghan shared this sweet photo of the youngster holding on to a bunch of balloons. They also launched a new initiative for COVID-19 vaccine equity.

While this photo of Prince Philip, the Queen, and several of their great grandchildren was taken by the Duchess of Cambridge back in 2018, it was only shared with the public after the Duke of Edinburgh's passing.

A skilled amateur photographer, the Duchess of Cambridge is known for documenting key moments in her children's lives. Here's the sweet photo she shared of her youngest, Prince Louis, in honor of his 3rd birthday.

Ahead of Prince George's 8th birthday, the Cambridges released this photo of the future king looking quite grown up. Kate, ever the family photographer, took this sweet snap in Norfolk.

Princess Charlotte was also photographed by her mother in honor of the young royal's 6th birthday. Here, the portrait that was shared with the public.

William, Kate, Camilla, and Charles sparkled on the No Time to Die red carpet, keeping up the tradition of royals appearing at James Bond premieres.

In March 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan shocked viewers with their candor during their sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey. The royals opened up about everything from their mental health struggles to why they chose to step back from the royal family. Here, a still from the program.

‘Prince Harry king’ searches explode 769% after Queen Elizabeth’s worry over William (Photos)

Google searches for “Prince Harry king” have exploded by 769% after the Queen urged Prince William not to fly in helicopters alongside his family.

On Sunday it was revealed that Her Majesty had pleaded with her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, who is third in line to the throne, to stop flying in helicopters carrying his wife and kids, in case they die and he can’t take the throne.

An unwritten rule stops senior royals flying together, but the royal protocol was relaxed as William's family were young and split their time between Kensington Palace in London and their home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

An insider close to the Queen said: “It keeps the Queen awake at night and she is understandably very worried.

REAL ALSO: Meghan Markle's makeup artist reveals what look wowed Prince Harry (Photos)

“She knows William is a capable pilot but does not think it is worth the risk for all five of them to carry on flying together and can’t imagine what would happen. It would spark a constitutional crisis."

If such a tragic event were to take place however, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, would ascend to the throne.

A new finding by Each Night reveals that searches for “Prince Harry king” exploded to nearly nine times the average volume on Monday.

A spokesperson for Each Night commented on the findings: “While all The Queen’s family will be incredibly precious to her, Prince William and his three children represent a bright future for the monarchy, and she will want to ensure that they stay safe and well, ready to receive the Crown.

“While William is an adept pilot, helicopters are not the safest way to travel, and if the worst were to occur, Prince Harry would then take the throne.

“Despite no longer being a working Royal, the explosion in searches for ‘Prince Harry king’ suggest that his popularity is undiminished, with many people considering an alternate universe with him as King”.

Kate Middleton's birthday snaps dubbed 'Hollywood' as fans make Meghan Markle comparison (Photos)

Harry In Shock As Sarah Ferguson Expose Meghan's Yacht Days With Andrew: Meg Was His 1st Client

Meghan Markle's Brave Revelation of Hysterectomy at 28: Impact on Her Life and Future

Shocking revelation: Meghan Markle has finally revealed Lilibet’s true father, exposing a DNA test that had been hidden for three years

Kate Middleton's birthday snaps dubbed 'Hollywood' as fans make Meghan Markle comparison (Photos)

You might like