In recent years, members of the Royal Family have released a new birthday portrait annually. And to mark the 40th birthday of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge today (January 9), three new portraits have been released that all depict the future Queen in a range of stunning dresses and poses. It appears that in the photos Kate has paid tribute to three famous royal women - the Queen, Princess Diana and Queen Victoria.

       Photographed by renowned fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, Kate's birthday photographs have been shot in different styles.

       The elegant dresses Kate wore in the photos are from British designer, Alexander McQueen, the label who created Kate's wedding dress in 2011.

       In one picture, Kate wore a striking red dress which she poignantly paired with a set of earrings from the Queen's personal collection.

       In another snap, Kate is seen smiling directly at the camera, with the photo printed in monochrome.

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       And in the final picture, comparisons have been drawn to more traditional forms of royal photography.

       In a portrait echoing photos of past royals, Kate is shown looking left without expression, similar to photographs taken of Queen Victoria.

       In addition to paying tribute to two famous queens, Kate can also be seen to have paid tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana in the portraits.

       In one picture Kate's iconic sapphire engagement ring given to her by Prince William can be seen on full display.

       The ring famously belong to the late Princess of Wales when she was engaged and later married to Prince Charles.

       Kate also wears earrings belonging to the late Princess in the monochrome photographs.

       In the picture of the Duchess in profile, she is wearing iconic pearl and diamond earrings that belonged to Princess Diana.

       Some comparisons have also been drawn between the portrait of Kate looking straight at the camera and a famous picture of Diana from the 1990s.

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       Iconic portraits of Diana looking directly at the camera were famously taken by Mario Testino.

       The portraits of Kate are part of the Coming Home exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which Kate is a patron of.

       The pictures will tour areas of the UK significant to Kate including Berkshire where she grew up, and St Andrews in Scotland, where Kate famously met Prince William as a student.

       The portraits will also be displayed in Anglesey in Wales, which is where the couple lived while William served as a helicopter search-and-rescue pilot.

       Speaking about his photographs of the Duchess for her 40th birthday, Mr Roversi 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."