Pop princess Kylie Minogue turns 40

Kylie Minogue is preparing to celebrate her 40th birthday

Kylie Minogue has been celebrating her 40th birthday.

The petite star marked the date with a small group of family and friends.

Dannii Minogue is believed to have joined her sister for a lavish sit-down dinner in Germany, while mother Carol and father Ron flew in from Australia.

Minogue's tour resumes with a gig in Munich on Thursday, before moving to Switzerland, France and Spain.

Last week, she kicked off her birthday celebrations in Greece.

Minogue booked a three-storey hotel overlooking the Aegean sea for her entourage.

More than 100 people celebrated at an all-night party, attended by people from her record label, her tour and management.

Her catering staff from the X tour were also invited - with Minogue hiring outside caterers so they could get the night off.

A spokesman said: "Kylie will be celebrating her birthday with her family and close friends."