Buckingham Palace has released three new official portraits of the Duchess of Gloucester to mark her 80th birthday, which falls tomorrow. The full-time working royal, who continues to support the King, posed for the photographs last month with renowned royal photographer Chris Jackson.
Formal Portrait in the Yellow Drawing Room
The first, more formal picture was taken in the Yellow Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. The Danish-born Duchess wears a white dress, a striking emerald and pearl necklace, and pearl-drop earrings. She clasps her hands together as she looks directly at the camera.
Relaxed Garden Shots
The other two photographs are more relaxed, having been captured in the gardens of the London residence. In one outdoor image, the Duchess wears a pale green two-piece suit with a flattering peplum and belt detail on the jacket. She poses with her husband, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. Sitting on a bench in the Palace grounds, she gazes lovingly up at her husband of over 53 years, who stands next to her. The Duke, cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, lovingly drapes his hand around his wife and returns her smile.
The final photograph shows the Duchess holding her hand against a tree as she beams at the camera.
Recent Royal Engagements
Earlier this week, the Duchess presented the Coventry Stakes trophy at Royal Ascot, having joined the King and Queen in the traditional carriage procession at the Berkshire racecourse. The couple also joined the Royal Family at Garter Day on Monday and Trooping the Colour last weekend.
A Life of Service
While the Duchess is one of the Firm's few working royals, travelling around the country attending engagements and joining the Firm at set-piece occasions, she tends to stay out of the spotlight. A patron of over 60 charities, the Duchess grew up in the city of Odense in Denmark before studying at Cambridge University. She has championed numerous causes and, most notably, served as the Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association for over 25 years and continues to be a regular in the Royal Box at Wimbledon. She also continues to travel abroad representing the Royal Family.
