The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has followed in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales and graced the cover of fashion magazine Vogue. The special royal cover, which will hit newsstands in June, celebrates the magazine’s 100th anniversary.

The photographs were taken by fashion photographer Josh Olins, at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk in January. For the shoot Kate allowed her make-up to be professionally done for the first time, working with make-up artist Sally Branka.

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A spokesman for The Duchess of Cambridge said: “Since 1916, Vogue has been a leading champion of British portraiture. The Duchess was delighted to play a part in celebrating the centenary of an institution that has given a platform to some of the most renowned photographers in this country's history. “

"The Duchess had never taken part in a photography shoot like this before. She hopes that people appreciate the portraits with the sense of relaxed fun with which they were taken.”

Kate is only the third senior member of the Royal family to pose for a Vogue cover, following Diana, Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal, who was photographed in 1971.

Alexandra Shulman, Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue said: “To be able to publish a photographic shoot with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge has been one of my greatest ambitions for the magazine."

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“I’m delighted the Duchess agreed to work with us and the National Portrait Gallery, and as a result of this unique collaboration we have a true celebration of our centenary as well as a fitting tribute to a young woman whose interest in both photography and the countryside is well known.”