Stunning new birthday portrait of Kate Middleton released amid Harry and Meghan's shock news

The Duchess of Cambridge has celebrated her 38th birthday with a stunning new portrait.

Shared to the royal's official Instagram account, the snap - taken by photographer Matt Porteous - shows Kate Middleton smiling as she sits on a wooden fence wearing a casual and chic ensemble.

"Thank you, everyone, for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday!" the photo was captioned.

The photo appears to have been taken during the same photoshoot at Anmer Hall in 2018 which gave us the Cambridge's adorable family photo.

Sadly Kate's birthday has been somewhat overshadowed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's shock announcement that they will "step back" from the Royal Family.

However, that didn't stop the Sussexroyal Instagram account from leaving Kate a birthday well-wish in the comments section of her photo, writing: "Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today!"

The Queen also wished her granddaughter-in-law "a very Happy Birthday", sharing a selection of photos of the royal pair together.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall also shared some sweet snaps in honour of Kate's birthday.

Elsewhere, Queen Elizabeth II is apparently working to find "workable solutions" after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would be stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family.

The 93-year-old monarch has announced she will be teaming up with her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William to work "together at pace” with the Sussex household after they stepped back from royal duties earlier this week.

- Bang!Showbiz, additional reporting by Coast.