Kate Middleton turns 30

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, celebrates her 30th birthday today.

GALLERY: More pics from the 'War Horse' premiere

No extravagant parties have been planned to mark the newest royal’s acceptance into the big three-oh club however. Instead she is expected to spend the day with her family before returning to her home in Wales, scotching rumours of an eighties-themed party at a secret London location.

On the eve before her birthday Kate joined her husband William at the London premiere of War Horse, Steven Spielberg’s World War One epic.

The former Ms Middleton wore a stunning gown of black lace by Alice Temperley, one of her sister Pippa’s favourite designers. The floor-skimming dress featured a v-neck and three-quarter sleeves, recalling the newly-minted Duchess’s famous wedding gown.

The premiere was held in aid of the Foundation of Prince William and Harry, which advocates for the welfare of members of the armed forces. As well as cast members Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jeremy Irvine (as well as the horse from the film’s title), 600 past and present military personnel attended the event.

After a relatively quiet year, which saw the Duchess attend just 34 official engagements, Kate can expect a busy 2012. Last week she announced her patronage of four UK charities, Action on Addiction, the National Portrait Gallery, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and The Art Room, as well as a role with the Scouts.

Also in 2012 Catherine will sit for her first official royal portrait, which will hang in the National Portrait Gallery alongside paintings of her husband and his brother Harry.

Will and Kate are also set to play prominent roles in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including a tour during the year to Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu in the Pacific.

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