Kate Middleton and Prince William hosted a reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace tonight. The Duke and Duchess were seen for the first time since the outcome of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal “step back” was confirmed. Kate’s body language revealed the Duchess was “reflective” yet “confident” after the news.
Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their plans to “step back” as “senior” members of the Royal Family.
Over the weekend, it was confirmed the royal couple would no longer formally carry out duties on behalf of the Queen.
Kate’s husband, Prince William, joined other senior royals to take part in an emergency summit with the Queen to discuss what this would mean for the future royals.
Today, the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted out for the first time since the announcement was made and her body language could show how what she thought about it.
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Kate stayed professional for the majority of the appearance, body language expert, Judi James, explained.
She told Express.co.uk: “Like the Queen, Kate’s signature charisma involves continuity, meaning she tends to provide unchanging body language that is always upbeat, smiling and professional.”
Although the royal tried to stay professional, it is likely she has been affected, the expert said.
The Duchess could have shown her true emotions when arriving at Buckingham Palace.
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Judi added: “Her personal sadness at Harry’s exit must be quite deep as the pair always seemed close, with Harry making Kate uncharacteristically giggly on many royal outings.
“But her overall demeanour tonight as she supports her husband on his first solo hosting spot at the palace looks as calmly smiling as always.
“In between the smiles and laughter though there are a couple of glimpses of a sadder, more reflective facial expression, both in the car and just before she enters the room to go on the royal ‘stage’, that might reveal some clues about her true emotions.”
Kate also seemed to show some increased confidence as she carried out the engagement.
“Her royal hosting role does also involve some increased signals of confidence,” Judi explained.
“Walking into the reception Kate drops her clutch bag to her side to walk with her arms hanging rather than using the bag as a barrier.
“And when she stands next to William there is some splaying of the feet, which would signal a slight rise in feelings of authority and status.”
While Prince William also looked confident, his body language showed he may have been feeling slightly nervous.
Judi told Express.co.uk: “William looks happy and comfortable in his new role, although there are a couple of clues to some minor nerves or suppressed shyness.
“For example, a rather awkwardly-hanging arm pose and the way his toes point outward in the group photo.
“It’s obvious the Queen has sent her A-team to back him though, with a very smiley Princess Anne and Prince Edward plus a very watchful and supportive-looking Sophie Wessex, who seems to be bolstering Kate via some friendly chat.”