Duchess of Cambridge hails ‘amazing’ first official portrait

THE Duchess of Cambridge has described her first official portrait as “amazing” before its formal unveiling today.

Award-winning artist Paul Emsley created the large head and shoulders painting of the duchess set against his trademark dark background.

Kate’s painting was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery and, following her suggestion, depicts her natural, not official, persona.

The Duchess, who wore a burgundy dress by Whistles, was joined by her husband the Duke for a private viewing of the painting on Friday before it goes on display to the public in the afternoon.

She told the artist: “It’s just amazing, I thought it was brilliant.”

William also had high praise for the painting and said: “It’s beautiful, it’s absolutely beautiful.”