The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, has made her debut on the cover of Vogue. Posing for a magazine for the very first time, Kate proved a natural in front of the camera. The photographs were released as part of the collaboration between British Vogue and the National Portrait Gallery, and will appear in the June issue of the publication.
The three pictures perfectly showcase Kate's flawless beauty. In two of the pictures, the Duchess models a classic dark green fedora hat over her trademark long, wavy tresses while dressed in a brown suede jacket over a white shirt.
In the third photo Prince William's wife, 34, looks chic in a black and red long sleeved top while leaning over a gate, her famous sapphire engagement ring in view.
The portraits showcase Kate's natural beauty © Josh Olins
There are seven photographs altogether, two of which will be added to the Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which will be available for public viewing from 1 May.
Kate happily took part in the photoshoot in her capacity as patron of the National Portrait Gallery, a role she has held since 2012.
The pictures were shot in the Norfolk countryside © Josh Olins
A spokesperson for the Duchess revealed how much she enjoyed the shoot, saying: "The Duchess was delighted to play a part in celebrating the centenary of an institution that has given a platform to some of the most renowned photographers in this country's history…
"The Duchess had never taken part in a photography shoot like this before. She hopes that people appreciate the portraits with the sense of relaxed fun with which they were taken."
Kate is a patron of the National Portrait Gallery © Josh Olins
British photographer Josh Olins, who is known for capturing a quiet elegance in his portraits, was chosen to take the landmark shoot of the Duchess. He said: "It's a privilege to have been chosen to photograph HRH The Duchess of Cambridge for the Centenary issue of British Vogue… This was the Duchess's first sitting for a magazine and she was a joy to work with, a natural."
Alexandra Shulman, the Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue spoke about capturing Kate's personality in the pictures, saying: "Josh has captured The Duchess exactly as she is – full of life, with a great sense of humour, thoughtful and intelligent, and in fact, very beautiful.
"Not only do they reflect her love of the countryside, interest in photography and championing of the National Portrait Gallery as our very committed Patron, but they also encapsulate what Vogue has always done so brilliantly – to pair the best photographers with the great personalities of the day, in order to reflect broader shifts in culture and society."
See the full shoot in the June centenary issue of British Vogue, on sale Thursday 5 May.