Duchess of Gloucester turns 80 today as King and Queen send heartfelt message

The King and Queen have wished the Duchess of Gloucester a happy 80th birthday this morning.

The social media post read: "Happy 80th Birthday to The Duchess of Gloucester!

"Thank you for all the well wishes on Her Royal Highness’s special day.'

The celebratory message was accompanied by a collection of new portraits honouring the Duchess of Gloucester as she celebrates her birthday.

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The photographs, captured earlier this month, showcase Her Royal Highness in two distinguished settings within the royal residence.

One image was taken in the elegant Yellow Drawing Room, while others feature the Duchess amid the picturesque palace gardens.

The milestone marks eight decades for one of the monarchy's most dedicated working members.

Born Birgitte Eva van Deurs Henriksen in Denmark, the Duchess has spent more than half a century serving the Crown with quiet distinction.

The Duchess grew up in the Danish city of Odense before her path crossed with Prince Richard at Cambridge University in 1966.

He was studying architecture whilst she pursued language studies, and their romance blossomed from that initial meeting.

The couple wed on July 8, 1973, at St Andrew's Church in Barnwell, Northamptonshire, with the bride resplendent in a Swiss organdy creation by Norman Hartnell.

Tragedy would reshape their lives merely six weeks later when Prince William, Richard's elder brother and heir apparent to the Dukedom, perished in an aircraft accident.

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Prince Richard inherited his father's title the following year, elevating Birgitte to her current position.

The Duchess cut a striking figure at this year's Trooping the Colour, processing along the Mall in an open-top carriage beside her husband.

Their carriage followed that carrying the Duchess of Edinburgh and Sir Timothy Laurence during the ceremonial parade.

Her attendance at such grand occasions exemplifies the steadfast approach characteristic of senior royals from her generation, much like Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.

The Duchess recently undertook an overseas engagement to Bermuda in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

The trip commemorated the regiment's diamond jubilee, underscoring her enduring dedication to military patronages.

She serves as honorary president of the Lawn Tennis Association and lends her support to both the National Asthma Campaign and the Children's Society.

The Duchess also holds the patronage of the Royal Academy of Music, a role previously occupied by Princess Diana.

The Duke and Duchess are parents to three children and grandparents to six.

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