Kate Middleton will have a 'low key' 40th birthday celebration instead of a big party

A royal expert has revealed that Kate Middleton won't have a big party for her 40th birthday next weekend—instead opting for a quiet celebration with close family and friends. 

• Kate will hit a milestone birthday next weekend—turning 40, like sister-in-law Meghan Markle.
• Royal author Duncan Larcombe has revealed that she won't be having a lavish party.
• In other royal news, fans are going wild for this rare romantic picture of Kate and William.

It's a big milestone, turning 40, but instead of a big party to celebrate, Kate Middleton will have a small intimate celebration with close friends and family, according to a royal source.

Royal author Duncan Larcombe told the Mail on Sunday, "There are likely to be low-key celebrations for the Duchess. She didn’t want anything flashy anyway, that’s not exactly her thing, but particularly given the current climate anything is likely to be scaled down."

Kate, whose smile has been voted one of the best in the world, will be at home for her birthday—mainly due to the new COVID-19 variant. 

Like last year, when the Duchess spent her lockdown 39th birthday at home, Kate will no doubt be spending the day with Prince William and her three children.

Last year she used social media to thank everyone for her birthday wishes, and the efforts of the NHS when she tweeted, "Birthdays have been very different in recent months, and our thoughts continue to be with all those working on the front line at this hugely challenging time."

The Duke and Duchess posted a similar message on Twitter just before the festive period this year, saying, "This Christmas will be different to what so many of us had planned. From those who are alone or having to isolate away from loved ones, to the incredible people supporting our NHS and caring for those most in need, we are thinking of you."

It is thought that a new official picture of Kate will be released next Sunday, to mark her birthday, while we're sure William and the kids will have some surprises for her.

Kate and William had a similar quiet New Years Eve celebration, with the royal couple also posting a very romantic Instagram snap, which showed the couple on the way to the James Bond premiere, earlier this year. The picture got a lot of attention from fans—with over a million likes and with many of them saying how 'genuinely happy' the couple looked.