Kate Middleton at 44 – The Princess of Wale’s life in pictures

Kate Middleton turns 44 today – and is expected to mark the occasion with a rather scaled-back celebration.

The Duchess of Cambridge is a key member of the Royal Family, a patron of a number of charities and future Queen consort, but she wasn’t born into royalty.

Here we look at her life in pictures.

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, on January 9, 1982.

Her parents are Carole and Michael Middleton, and she has two siblings – Pippa Matthews and James Middleton.