The ‘Royal’ Kate Middleton looks ‘confident’ during church visit to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s death, while Prince William’s ‘shy’ waves suggest he is still grieving, a body language expert says
The Princess of Wales’s composed demeanor suggests she was a pillar of strength for Prince William on a difficult day – as the nation celebrates a year since the late Queen’s death, a body language expert has claimed.
William and Kate marked the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death with a small private service at an ancient cathedral in Wales, with Kate appearing “confident” both in the church and as she greeted well-wishers – suggesting she was in “confident” of her role felt support from “a grandson who wants to honor his grandmother.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales traveled to St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire – exactly one year since the country’s longest-reigning monarch died at Balmoral aged 96.
The Control: During the Prince and Princess of Wales’ visit to St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire to mark the first anniversary of the Queen’s death, Kate cut a “regal, confident” figure, according to body language expert Judi James
Crowds gathered as early as dawn to catch a glimpse of their arrival in the cathedral grounds, but they had to wait in the sunshine as nearby fog meant the couple’s helicopter had to be rerouted, delaying their arrival by more than 30 minutes delayed an hour.
Body language expert Judi James said from the moment they arrived it was clear what role Kate had to play – and she felt comfortable carrying out that role.
She told MailOnline: “Kate looks so eminent and regal here, much more confident, assured and in control than she appeared on the walkabout immediately after the Queen’s death.”
James said the Princess of Wales’s gestures and demeanor suggest she is “the crucial support and strength for William, whose body language fluctuates more and has more personal hints of a grandchild honoring his beloved grandmother.”
Prince William’s folded hands in front of his torso showed a more personal side of the royal, as “a grandson honoring his beloved grandmother,” James noted
‘Shy-looking waves’: Prince William’s more vulnerable side as he honored the anniversary of his grandmother’s death was evident today, says Body Language reader
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
Signs that Kate was more relaxed than William came from the way her arms naturally fell beside her, while the prince’s hand gestures were more restless, she speculates, suggesting that his personal grief is still one plays a big role.
“While Kate stands with her arms at her sides or can be seen making animated gestures while chatting in the abbey, William glances at the waiting crowd, his hands rather sweetly crossed in front of his torso, or makes small, shy appearances. “Waves as if once again grateful for the fans’ compassion and support during his time of remembrance and mourning.”
William and Kate were due to arrive at the church at 12.25pm but finally arrived at around 1.30pm and greeted well-wishers before heading inside for the ten-minute service.
A well-wisher was heard shouting to William: “You’re doing a great job!”
In a poignant moment during the service, William led the way with Kate, who placed a floral tribute of white roses in front of a photo of Queen Elizabeth II.
After laying the flowers, Kate – wearing a pair of earrings that once belonged to the late queen – stood in silent contemplation with William, their heads slightly bowed, for about ten seconds before turning and walking away.
Reverend Dr. Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St Davids, told the congregation: “It is particularly poignant to welcome you, Your Royal Highnesses, here on Accession Day, the first anniversary of the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
William and Kate are shown to their seats by Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St David’s Cathedral
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Prince and Princess of Wales meet dignitaries during their visit to St David’s Cathedral today
“She came here four times: the only monarch to sit in the Sovereign’s Chair, the seat of a chapter member that came into the possession of the Crown with the Reformation.”
“Today, countless people will remember her with sadness and great affection and thank her once again for her long life of dedicated service – just as we do here.”
Their trip came at the same time as William’s brother Prince Harry paid a shocking and secret visit to St George’s Chapel, the Windsor church where the queen is buried.
In St Davids, 47-year-old royal fan Amanda Bentley from Pembroke Dock arrived with her friends at 9.30am. She told MailOnline: “We thought it would be a good opportunity to come over and see Wills and Kate.”
“I think it’s nice that they have a modern approach to the monarchy and I think William and Charles will be a good example for future generations because they were given such a good example (by the Queen).”
The late Queen visited the cathedral four times during her reign – in 1955, 1982, 1995 and 2001 – and sat in a special chair in the cathedral’s choir.
St Davids was a place close to the Queen’s heart and the Prince and Princess of Wales’ decision to go there reflects that affection and their new roles.
Britain’s smallest city had lost its city status, but it was returned at the Queen’s request in 1994, along with the Northern Irish city of Armagh, “in recognition of their important Christian heritage and status as cities in the last century”.
Prince William and Kate walk to the front to lay flowers next to a framed photo of the late Queen Elizabeth II during a service at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Princess of Wales lays flowers during the service at St David’s Cathedral in Wales today
Kate stands in front of the flowers she laid at St David’s Cathedral in Wales this afternoon
The royal couple posted a series of pictures of the late monarch on their Instagram page today, including this one of her celebrating the Platinum Jubilee on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (pictured).
The heartfelt message was signed by W&C for William and Catherine and published on the anniversary of the Queen’s death
It happened as the royal family mourned the monarch together. Earlier, the king was moved as he left Crathie Kirk near Balmoral after paying a moving tribute to his beloved mother.
As the nation marks the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death today, crowds gathered at Buckingham Palace and army gun salutes rang out across the United Kingdom in honor of Her Majesty.
William and Kate also shared their own favorite pictures of the late monarch, saying: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.” We miss you all. TOILET’.