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Kate Middleton shows ‘polite concern’ to ‘anxious’ Camilla during royal outing: Body language expert

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge stands with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (L) and Sophie, Countess of Wessex (R) on the balcony overlooking the Cenotaph during the National Service Of Remembrance on November 14, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. This year's event will see a return to pre-pandemic numbers of participating veterans, military and members of the public. (Photo by Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

According to an expert, Kate Middleton and Queen Consort Camilla displayed contrasting body language when they stood side by side during the Remembrance Sunday service in London over the weekend.

For the first time without Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and senior members of the royal family gathered Sunday in London at the Cenotaph war memorial for the National Service of Remembrance to honor the United Kingdom’s war dead.

The Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales stood on the Foreign Office balcony, overlooking the Cenotaph, where the King laid wreaths.

Middleton and Camilla were dressed elegantly in black coats and hats. Each had three poppies and diamond brooches pinned to their coats. There was a poignant empty space on the balcony where the late monarch had stood in previous years to watch the service.

Judi James, a sought-after communication specialist who has appeared on high-profile TV and radio shows such as ITV’s “This Morning,” commented on the two women’s body language during the royal outing. Camilla appeared anxious, while Middleton appeared calm, according to her.

James told the Mirror:

“Watching from the balcony Camilla combined signals of regal duty with some rituals of anxiety. Standing beside Kate, she performed a subtle smile of acknowledgment as her wreath was laid, and as she turned to Kate on their way from the balcony, she threw a rather fond smile as Kate spoke to her.”

Camilla smiled again at Middleton before nodding and walking ahead of the Princess of Wales in her new role as Queen Consort. According to the expert, Camilla’s gestures demonstrated “open anxiety.”

The expert told the outlet:

“She looked unable to keep totally still and spoke to Kate at one point but while looking straight ahead rather than turning to her. Kate turned her head quickly in a gesture of polite concern. Kate’s calm and very still body language was in contrast to Camilla’s nervous movements that showed the most in the fluttering of her hymn sheet as her two hands fiddled with it throughout.”

Lip reader Jeremy Freeman also told the outlet what he believes Middleton and Camilla discussed before leaving the balcony. A confident Middleton, he said, was happy to lead them.

Before they left the balcony, Middleton reportedly asked Camilla a question:

“Shall we go in now?”

During the service, James observed King Charles’ body language. According to reports, the new monarch suppressed his emotions.

James said of His Majesty:

“Charles stood at the Cenotaph as though totally alone and lost in his thoughts. His mouth was pulled down at the corners and his rapid blinking hinted he was close to tears as he remembered his mother as well as those fallen in action. There was even a micro-gesture of a small spasm of the lips to show suppressed emotions as they played the Last Post.”

The annual ceremony, held on the second weekend of November every year, honors those from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations who died in wars.

The poppy pin on the royals’ clothing is a symbol used to honor military members who have died since 1921. According to People, Middleton’s three poppies honor her great-grandmother Olive Middleton’s three brothers, all of whom fought and died in World War I.