The Duchess of Cambridge is set to mark a huge life milestone next week - her 40th birthday.
Kate will celebrate the landmark occasion on Sunday, January 9, and often spends her birthdays in private surrounded by Prince William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
And although it is unclear exactly what her plans are for her birthday next week, one royal expert has claimed it's unlikely she will be throwing a lavish party or visiting a top-end West End restaurant.
In fact, according to royal author Duncan Larcombe, she will celebrate the big day in her usual "low-key" fashion.
Duncan told OK! : "Kate and William are not the sort to go away to celebrate on their own and leave the kids at home.
“I think the same will apply to Kate’s birthday as it does to Christmas - it will be low key and it will be focused entirely on the family.”
In August, Kate's sister-in-law Meghan Markle turned 40 and used the milestone to launch her 40x40 scheme in a comedy video with Hollywood actress Melissa McCarthy.
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But according to Duncan, it's not expected that Kate will follow in Meghan's footsteps.
He added: "I’d be very surprised if she does announce anything.
“She’s unlikely to because, firstly, it’s just not her way and secondly because of the obvious comparisons with Meghan and this awful continuation of one-upmanship that the palace is so keen to avoid."
It's unclear where the Cambridges are ringing in the new year this weekend - although they did spend Christmas at Anmer Hall in Norfolk with some of Kate's family.
They were also due to visit the Queen over the festive period after she decided against spending Christmas at Sandringham and opted to stay at Windsor Castle.
Meanwhile, on Christmas Eve, Kate wowed viewers with a beautiful surprise piano performance at a Christmas carol concert she hosted.
Kate, who has played the piano since she was a child and took comfort in it during the Covid lockdowns, joined singer Tom Walker for a performance of his song For Those Who Can't Be Here at her Royal Carols: Together at Christmas event, which was screened on ITV.
