If you're a weird Kate Middleton geek and superfan like me, you probably spent Sunday admiring three portraits of the Duchess that were specially unveiled for her 40th birthday. [They are three stunning photographs of Middleton by Paolo Roversi, on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

For body language expert Judy James, these photos symbolize what awaits the Duchess of Cambridge in the coming years. James tells Express, "Kate's 40th birthday portrait represents her final flutter in terms of her future role as queen." Previous birthday portraits and photographs have shown Kate in various roles as mother, wife, and member of the royal office, but finally we see her fully acknowledging and embracing her future destiny in the only truly independent birthday portrait to date! ."

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"The launch of this 'Kate brand' was a long time in the making, suggesting an ongoing modesty and desire to stay out of the spotlight."

"Incredibly, this is almost the first time Kate has posed for the camera on her birthday.

"Previous photos have incorporated avoidance rituals, either by looking away from the lens or being photographed on the go during royal visits.

"The red dress photo finally shows a woman who is content and confident to look us straight in the eye and engage in a more personal and direct way."

"It is a great pleasure to see Kate not only as William's wife and the mother of his three children, but as a royal fan in her own right. suggests that she has finally "understood" that she is liked, admired, and loved by the royal family"

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James' comments speak to what royal pundits have been saying lately: that the Duchess has unmistakably grown in confidence since she first joined the royal family. Royal commentator Angela Levin previously told Marie Claire magazine that "she has become more relaxed and confident, gradually talking with William instead of letting him do all the talking."

For body language expert Darren Stanton (speaking on behalf of Be My Bet), her fashion choices are particularly telling of this evolution. He says, "Bold colors, sequins, and slightly more revealing designs are very good indicators that Kate now feels she has found true inner confidence in her role within the Royal Family and in her relationship with William.