Kate Middleton, 35, has been a member of the Royal Family since marrying Prince William, 35, in 2011.
The Duchess of Cambridge, as she became on her wedding day, has to follow a set of rules and protocol in her role as a leading member of the British royals.
As she has had to become used to being seen in front of the camera, Kate has learnt a number of tricks along the way to look her best.
One of these has been perfecting her posing, particularly when sitting down.
Looking back over photographs of the Duchess it is noticeable she always sits in the same way.
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Prince William’s wife will always keep her legs firmly together and slanted at an angle, with her ankles touching.
She completes the pose by having her hands cradled in her lap.
This is done firstly because it is comfortable when the Duchess is wearing heels, but also because it is the most lady like way to sit.
Etiquette expert Grant Harrold, who is a former butler to Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cambridge, told the Daily Mail: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge is sitting in a correct and lady like manner, which she would have been taught at an early age.
“This sitting posture is not only the correct and lady like manner, but is also a practical way of protecting ones modesty when wearing a dress or skirt.
“Ladies wouldn’t normally cross their legs and certainly would not cross at the knees. All ladies will know that this is correct form in public or at an official event.”
He concluded: “Personally I always teach ladies to sit in this correct manner as it is not only comfortable but a more elegant way for a a lady to sit and shows her posture in the best possible light.”
Her pose may be particularly important at the moment, as Kate will be looking for maximum comfort while pregnant.
Grant advised: “Crossing the legs is not considered good for the health of ladies in general, especially if they are pregnant due to the circulation.”
It is not just how Kate sits that is an issue of protocol – she is also rarely seen holding hands with Prince William in public.
Is this due to royal rules? Or is there another reason for their coy behaviour?