The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is the epitome of class, so not much else would be expected of her than for her 31st Birthday to be a toned down affair; St James Palace confirms that celebrations will be 'private' and 'quiet', reports Entertainment Wise.

At an estimated 12 weeks pregnant drinking and dancing the night away was certainly never on the cards. Last year she spent her birthday evening attending the premier of War Horse along with Prince William, but hasn't made a public appearance since appearing at BBC Sports Personality of The Year awards on December 17th last month. That is the only time she has made an appearance since her stint in hospital for severe travel sickness, which isn't surprising given the tragic aftermath of a prank call made to the hospital she was staying at, which sadly culminated in the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha. Recovering from both traumatic parts of the month, she and William spent Christmas with her family rather than at Sandringham.

It's not just her birthday which is staying low key. She wore a Roland Mouret dress earlier last year, but requested that it be cut looser than the sample dress because "she doesn't want a bottom situation like Pippa had", according to the Telegraph. After the wedding Pippa Middleton was praised for her great bum, but Kate didn't want such attention to be brought to her own behind.