[Marc]

The first official portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge has been unveiled - and was described by Kate as "amazing".

Award-winning artist Paul Emsley created the large head and shoulders painting of the duchess set against his trademark dark background.

It was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, which Kate supports as patron.

At the Duchess' own suggestion it depicts her natural, not official, persona.

Kate, wearing a burgundy dress by Whistles, was joined by her husband the Duke for a private viewing of the painting before it went on display to the public this afternoon.

The royal couple spent around 10 minutes looking at the portrait privately then met Emsley and his wife Susanne and daughter Marie.

Kate has been suffering from a rare form of pregnancy sickness but looked well and smiled as she chatted to the artist.

She told him: "It's just amazing, I thought it was brilliant."

William also had high praise for the painting, saying: "It's beautiful, it's absolutely beautiful."

The Cambridges later attended a private breakfast reception at the London gallery to mark the unveiling.

Among the guests were Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her brother and sister Pippa and James.

She looks really old :-/