Previously unseen Duchess of Cambridge photo shared to mark 38th birthday

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Kensington Palace has shared a never-before-seen photograph of the Duchess of Cambridge to mark her 38th birthday.

The picture, shared on the Kensington Royal social media accounts today, was captioned: “Thank you everyone for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday!”

Sussex Royal account, which is dedicated to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, sent their well wishes to Kate.

They commented: “Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today!”

READ MORE: Inside the Duchess of Cambridge's impressive wardrobe as she celebrates 38th birthday

The photograph shows the Duchess perched on a wooden gate in the grounds of her Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.

Within minutes the post racked up over 170,000 likes on Instagram, as well as over 7,000 likes and over 700 retweets on Twitter.

The image, while previously unseen, was taken over a year ago.

The photo is from the same set of photos taken by photographer Matt Porteous released as the Cambridge family’s 2018 Christmas card.

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While the 2018 festive photo capture the entire family, Kate’s birthday tribute is her on her own.

In the new photo, Kate is seen wearing a Fjallraven Ovik crew neck sweater in frost green, which she’s owned for a number of years.

Although Kate’s jumper has now sold out, the Swedish fashion brand has released a very similar patterned sweater for £135.

Buy it: Ovik Knit Sweater | £135 from Fjallraven

The jumper is layered over a checked shirt and denim jeans.

Kate also wears a pair of Asprey Oak Leaf earrings and her sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan to 'step back' as senior UK royals

Kate celebrated just days ahead of her official birthday on January 9, as she was joined by her friends at her home at Anmer Hall over the weekend.

Three alternative sweaters to buy

Pure Cotton Round Neck Jumper | £19.50 from M&S

hush Hazel Wool Blend Jumper | £89 from John Lewis and Partners

Pure Cashmere Round Neck Jumper | £79 from M&S

Brunello Cucinelli Metallic Ribbed-Knit Sweater | £336 (Was £840) from Net-A-Porter

Women Premium Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater | £24.90 from Uniqlo