The Duchess of Edinburgh has once again showed why she is one of the most trusted members of the current royal family – as she helped support the Princess of Wales during one of her most high-profile appearances yet since her cancer announcement today.
Body language expert Judi James said Sophie, 59, who is married to Prince Edward, offered a ‘very telling-looking gesture’ – a supportive hand on Kate’s back – that signified exactly why she was chosen to be by the younger royal’s side at the Cenotaph this morning.
The Princess of Wales, in the absence of Queen Camilla, who is recovering from a chest infection and watched the service on TV at home, was joined by Sophie on the balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office just before 11am – as the two minutes’ silence was broadcast live to the nation, with around 10,000 military veterans attending the service.
Expert James said: ‘That simple hand gesture showed Sophie’s dual role today.
‘She is always the royal who brings a sense of calm and support to some of the most emotionally-charged royal occasions.
Side-by-side: With Prince William joining the King to lay wreaths, Kate Middleton took her place on the balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with the Duchess of Edinburgh – who, says body language expert Judi James, took on a maternal role today
Emotional: While the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh (not pictured) looked on from above, King Charles, the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal joined veterans and dignitaries below at the Cenotaph
Sophie, 59, offered a reassuring touch of the hand on Kate’s back as the two women left the balcony following the two minutes’ silence. Body language expert James says the Duchess of Edinburgh echoed the supportive touches also shown by Prince William on Saturday evening at the Royal Albert Hall
‘She and Kate always appear to be close and to share a sense of humour but Sophie’s gesture here seems to show her in a more maternal mode, as she places on hand on or near Kate’s back as she stepped inside the building.’
James added the heartfelt moment between Kate and Sophie mimicked the supportive touches by Prince William towards his wife during the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.
‘The gesture looked similar to the back touches William had been performing the night before. It registered fondness and maybe a small congratulatory “well done” for another milestone achieved in terms of Kate’s return to royal duties.
Tender: Prince Edward’s wife offered a signal of just how well-loved Kate is amongst the royals too, says James
The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night – body language expert James says Sophie’s hand of support was similar to William’s gestures toward Kate at the Festival of Remembrance
‘But it also looked like a small but powerful signal to William and even George and Charlotte that, even when William is not at Kate’s side, she is still surrounded by royal family that are taking very good care of her, albeit subtly.’
The Princess of Wales appeared to appreciate the support of the Duchess of Edinburgh at the Cenotaph this morning, when the two women stood side-by-side as King Charles led the wreath-laying alongside the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
James also said that the Princess of Wales appears to be increasingly comfortable back in the spotlight.
She explained: ‘Kate’s body language and even her styling today showed a return to what looked like full regal form.
Solemnity: The Prince of Wales salutes during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London
King Charles appeared emotional as he looked towards the Cenotaph in remembrance; the royal was attending the service without Queen Camilla, who has a chest infection
Deep in thought: The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh look straight ahead as the clock struck 11am on Sunday – with James saying Kate looked ‘so much like a future queen’
The Princess of Wales appeared to bite back tears in an emotional moment as she undertook her second engagement in two days
‘Even her fascinator and the way she wore her hair swept up looked like a re-run of one of her most iconic “regal” moments when she was photographed in the car, in her Covid face mask, at Philip’s funeral, looking fiercely elegant and regal and so much like a future queen.
‘She was seen chatting and smiling gently with Sophie on the balcony and, with Camilla not attending, she appeared to move into central position with Sophie standing to her side, with relaxed-looking confidence.
What the royals watched: Military veterans gathered on Whitehall in central London for the Cenotaph service
Second World War vets Alec Penstone and Mervyn Kersh were among those on Horse Guards Parade ahead of the Royal British Legion march past the Cenotaph today
‘Her facial expression became sombre once we heard the chimes of Big Ben and there was a more contained version of her clearly emotional signalling that we saw at the concert the evening before. Then she appeared tearful, but here her sadness registered with a fiercely regal look of stoic reflection.’
The well-liked Duchess of Edinburgh has become an increasingly significant member of the royals in recent years, taking on bigger roles at public events and representing the Windsors when others haven’t been able to make commitments.
For Kate, much has changed in the year since she last attended the Remembrance Service, with the royal revealing to the nation earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
‘Stoic reflection’: Kate pays her respects during the two minutes silence, the 42-year-old royal, in her first major public appearance since revealing she has cancer, wore a stylish black structured coat with bow and earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth
Today, the Princess cut a stylish figure as she arrived at the Cenotaph this morning, wearing a structured black coat and three-flowered fascinator as she joined her fellow royals
The royal who continued her favoured tradition of wearing a military style coat for the service also donned a significant piece of royal jewellery.
The mother-of-three picked the Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth’s private collection, which were also worn by the late Princess Diana in 1982.
The Princess of Wales pictured as she headed for the Cenotaph this morning
The Princess of Wales, 42, smiled as she joined the Duchess of Edinburgh on the balcony
The earrings were crafted from pearls gifted to the Queen and Philip from the ruler of Bahrain at the time of their wedding in 1947.
The monarch famously wore the jewels in her first Royal Command portrait by Dorothy Wilding in July 1952.
Kate first wore them in 2016 for the Remembrance Day service at Westminster Abbey, and also wore them to attend Prince Philip‘s funeral in 2021.
Kate wore her brunette locks neatly tied up into a chic black fascinator with feathered detail and a netted veil.
Royal jewels: The mother-of-three wore Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth’s private collection, which were also worn by the late Princess Diana in 1982
As is tradition for royals attending the Remembrance Sunday Service, the Princess of Wales wore three five-petal poppies and also wore a 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards brooch
On her coat was a 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards Brooch, alongside three five-petal royal poppies.
Brigadier Alan Richmond gifted Catherine the brooch when she was made Colonel-in-Chief of the Dragoon Guards in 2023.
The two-minute silence was be led by King Charles, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Queen Camilla did not attend, while still recovering from a chest infection.
Thousands of veterans, members of the public and dignitaries gathered at Whitehall at 11am to honour those lost in conflict.
Following the Prince and Princess of Wales’ appearance at Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, a body language expert told MailOnline that the couple looked closer than ever.
This weekend marks the Princess’ first set of high-profile appearances since she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in March.
Around 10,000 veterans, members of the public and dignitaries gathered at Whitehall at 11am to honour those lost in conflict on Sunday
Prince William this week described the year as the ‘hardest’ of his life, whilst remarking how proud he was of his father and wife for their bravery and dignity amid their health woes.
On Saturday, prior to entering the Royal Albert Hall, the Princess of Wales lovingly and gently rubbed William’s lower back.
Several times throughout the ceremony, the Royal couple could be seen glancing and whispering in each others direction giving us a glimpse of the ‘mutual affection’ they share.
Expert James revealed exactly what the Wales’s body language says about their relationship, and how the Princess Royal showed ‘maternal concern’ for a ‘frail’ King Charles.
The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured on Saturday night honouring Britain’s servicemen and women at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal couple appeared solemn as military personnel honoured fallen servicemen and women who lost their lives during the conflict in Afghanistan
There was not a dry eye in the house, as Prince William and Princess Kate looked sorrowful as the crowd honoured the fallen during a moment of silence
The Prince and Princess of Wales led the applause as the crowd touchingly honoured the families of fallen soldiers at the Festival of Remembrance last night
Earlier yesterday evening, footage showed Prince William lightly and lovingly clasping at Princess Kate’s upper waist and back as they were guided into the renowned London music hall.
James told MailOnline that it indicated the Royal couple ‘couldn’t keep their hands off each other’ and they will be ‘far more open about showing the strength of their love’ in the future.
‘For a couple that usually limits their touch rituals or PDAs to one or two per appearance, this brief arrival walk to greet their hosts contained an ongoing volley of affectionate, loving and mutually protective touches, glances and truncated hugs,’ she said.
‘The cliche “They couldn’t keep their hands off each other” really does apply here and this behaviour between the couple answers a question that has been hanging since the very romantic, openly loving video they released to update on Kate’s health.’
She added: ‘This glimpse already suggests an upgrade in their PDAs, which in turn should suggest they will now be far more open about showing the strength of their love after keeping their emotions rather under wraps in a bid to avoid the kind of attention William’s mother Princess Diana suffered from.’
James also revealed that Prince William’s rush to join the Princess’s side as they mutually placed their hands on each others waists, stepping closer to one another showed ‘mutual support, protection and affection’.
The body language expert continued: ‘He seems to glance at her face lovingly and when her arm drops he places his own around her as they stand with their heads close.
‘This is followed by two more hands placed on Kate’s back, with an almost endless ritual of PDAs.’
Kate continues to glow as she leaves the service at the Royal Albert Hall
The Princess of Wales cheerily smiles at others whilst the Royal couple leave the event
Kate shakes the hand of an official as she and William prepare to leave the Royal Albert Hall
The Princess of Wales beamed as she appeared at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance for her first high-profile appearance in months after cancer treatment
The Princess of Wales had undergone treatment for an undisclosed cancer over the past few months, taking a step back from her duties due to her health
Princess Kate glowed as she shook hands with officials as she enters the event at the Royal Albert Hall
Kate looked radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a stunning black dress with a poppy pin honouring Britain’s military
Prince of Wales was also in attendance alongside a glowing Kate as yesterday’s Remembrance events
The Princess of Wales walking up the stairs as she prepares to take her seat in the Royal Box at yesterday’s event
A bearded Prince William and Princess Kate were all smiles yesterday evening as they clap as the performers take to the stage
Princess Kate beamed with pride in the Royal box as they honoured British military personnel
The Royal couple looked intently on as the performances of the night continue
The Prince and Princess of Wales also led the applause as the crowd touchingly honoured the families of fallen soldiers at the Festival of Remembrance yesterday.
The lavish venue eagerly clapped as military personnel laid roses to honour those who had passed in Afghanistan, with Ben O’Donnell the son of late warrant officer Gary O’Donnell placing the final flower.
There was not a dry eye in the house, as the crowd – including the Royals stood in silence with tear-filled eyes to remember those who had sacrificed everything for Britain.
During these tributes Kate and William appeared solemn as the applause erupted at the Royal Albert Hall, an exhibit of ‘strong emotions’ from the Prince, according to James.
‘Kate’s beaming smiles when she arrived quickly converted to a more solemn expression as she stood to attention in the royal box next to her husband, with William wearing a deep frown to suggest strong emotions as he watched the service,’ she said.
‘When William and Kate stood applauding the veterans of World War II, it was clear Kate was becoming tearful.
‘Her brows were raised and there were tears in her eyes, then in a later moment we could see her sucking her lips inward, which is a gesture of strong, suppressed emotion.’
James also divulged how King Charles looked ‘frail’ without Queen Camilla by his side after she fell unwell with a ‘seasonal chest infection’.
‘It was clear he had a very watchful wing-woman, in a touching display it was Princess Anne who flanked her brother and watched him like a hawk,’ the body language expert added.
Princess Kate, Prince William, Prince of Wales, King Charles as well Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal clap as they pay tribute to British military personnel
The King and the Princess Royal also appeared emotional as the crowd stood in silence and petals fell from the sky
King Charles III appears upbeat as he leaves yesterday Remembrance Festival
The King will continue to honour fallen soldiers tomorrow at the Cenotaph in Whitehall
Princess Anne leaving yesterday festivities at the Royal Albert Hall
The Wales’s clapped along with the crowd in unison as the Chelsea Pensioners took to the stage
Britain’s King Charles and Britain’s Princess Anne applauding during the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance yesterday
‘Even when there were things happening on the stage we could see her eyes drawn to Charles with a look of almost maternal concern.’
Images from Saturday night’s event showed the Princess of Wales beaming as she entered the hall for the Festival of Remembrance last night.
Kate was radiant as she cut a sleek figure in a black dress walking alongside Prince William into the lavish Kensington venue to celebrate Britain’s servicemen and women last night.
Kate donned one poppy this year, despite being renowned for pinning three to herself in previous years for the Remembrance weekend events.
His Majesty, who became Patron of the Royal British Legion earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Anne were in attendance at last night’s proceedings.
The Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucestershire and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were seated in the Royal Box yesterday, as those who put their lives on the line for King and Country are celebrated.
The King was applauded as he sat down at the event which honours sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces community and includes musical performances and personal testimonies.
The Royal family also stood to celebrate World War II veterans who gave their lives for Britain.
The King looked upbeat as he arrived at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
King Charles arrived solo after Queen Camilla announced earlier she would not be attending yesterday’s event due to an ongoing chest infection
Princess Anne attending The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The Princess Royal was in attendance alongside her brother His Majesty King Charles III as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie heading into last night’s events
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh entering the Royal Albert Hall
Prince Richard – the Duke of Gloucester – heading into the event celebrating the nation’s servicemen and women
Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester makes her way into the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington last night
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer attending the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The Prime Minister and his wife were seemingly happy as they enteredthe Royal Albert Hall yesterday
The Princess of Wales, whose chic hair swept effortlessly to the side, spoke to the Prince William after joining in applause, as the Royals proceeded to join in the singing of a hymn.
The King as well as the Wales’s all stood to join the rendition of Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer at the Royal British Legion event.
The Royal emblem was laid over the rail in front of the royal box at the concert hall in South Kensington, London.
King Charles III and the Princess Royal beamed with pride as the Chelsea Pensioners marched centre stage, with Prince William and Princess Kate clapping along with the crowd.
After the military personnel marched in unison, an upbeat King Charles stood and waved to the cheering crowd.
Hosted by Adrian Lester, several British music icons took to the stage to honour the servicemen and women, including Sir Tom Jones, Alexandra Burke, Jack Savoretti and many more.
However the Queen was noticeably absent from both last night’s event as well as the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph tomorrow after becoming unwell with a ‘seasonal chest infection’.
A Palace spokesperson confirmed: ‘Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events.
Musician Sir Tom Jones had tear-filled eyes as red poppy petals fell to the floor
Alexandra Burke (left) looks emotionally to the ground as she pays her respects
Military personnel stand in unison as they prepare to honour those who sacrificed their lives
Poppy petals raining from the sky at the Royal Albert Hall last night
British servicemen and women at the Remembrance Festival in Kensington
A serviceman leading the tributes at the Royal Albert Hall last night
A band has taken to centre of the stage at yesterday’s festivities at the Royal Albert Hall
‘While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.’
It is understood there is no cause for alarm, and no downturn in her condition. The Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.
Princess Catherine who is recovering from cancer and King Charles, who is still having ongoing treatment for cancer, were among the senior royals that attended this weekend’s Remembrance events
In a video Kate released in September, she revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was ‘looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months‘.
But she added her focus was ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free’.
William said on Wednesday during his trip to Cape Town that his wife was ‘doing really well’ and has been ‘amazing this whole year’.
The Princess, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024, after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer.
Her last engagement was a month ago, when she made a surprise trip to meet families whose children were killed in the Southport attack and speak to emergency workers who helped at the scene after the devastating knife attack.
The Chelsea Pensioners appearing at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday
Jack Savoretti & the Service Children’s Community Choir performing last night
Alexandra Burke stunned in a glittering black gown as she takes to the stage in the Royal Albert Hall
Welsh icon, Sir Tom Jones, prepared to put his vocal pipes to work as the celebration continues
Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha was radiant in a bright red gown as she performs to the crowd
Adrian Lester hosting last night’s Remembrance Festival
In her heartfelt video in September, Kate opened up about her cancer journey, as the Wales family were shown enjoying time together outdoors.
The Princess said she was entering ‘this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life’.
‘The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,’ she said.
She added: ‘Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long.’
At the start of October, the Princess was pictured hugging an aspiring teenage photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after William invited her to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.
Kate met Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, and her family privately after the ceremony with William.
In June, Kate looked relaxed during her first day in the spotlight following her diagnosis when she appeared at the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony.
She took part in the carriage procession and joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and other royals on the Palace balcony.
The Muster at The Festival of Remembrance in unison at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday
They prepared for the Drum Laying as the crowd sits in anticipation
The Tri-Service band took to the stage at they prepare to honour servicemen and women throughout the country
The Central Band of The Royal Air Force stood perfectly in line with the number 80 at the centre of the stage
Veterans take centre stage as they were honoured at The Festival of Remembrance yesterday
Military personnel lined up in the centre of the iconic Royal Albert Hall in Kensington last night
It came the day after a health update from Kate, who was pictured in the grounds of the Windsor Castle estate, standing in a tranquil setting against a weeping willow tree near a lake.
She issued a written message saying she was ‘making good progress’ and had ‘good days and bad days’, but added: ‘I am not out of the woods yet.’
A few weeks later she made another rare appearance when she presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Princess, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, was accompanied by Charlotte and chatted to ball boys and girls, and entered Centre Court to loud applause.
She has also met aides to discuss staging her annual Christmas carol service in December, and held meetings on her early years work.
Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that the Queen, who has just completed a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles, was cancelling her forthcoming engagements due to a chest infection.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at the time: ‘Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.
Prince William, wearing a Hackett polo shirt, and the Princess of Wales, wearing a Roman blue dress, appeared together in a video released by Kensington Palace in September
The Prince said his year has been ‘dreadful’ adding: ‘It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.’ (Pictured L-R: Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Prince George)
Catherine, the Princess of Wales (pictured) revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer
According to Prince William, ‘from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal’
William and Kate at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 11, 2023
Kate attended the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 12, 2023
Queen Camilla pictured alongside the Princess of Wales during the National Service Of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in 2023
‘With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.
‘She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.’
The 77-year-old royal is understood to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.
Camilla’s condition meant that she had to reluctantly withdraw from the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday; with the Duchess of Gloucester, 78, standing in for her.
The Queen also had to cancel an appearance at a reception at Buckingham Palace honouring the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic stars the very same day.
Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that the Queen (pictured) was cancelling her forthcoming engagements due to a chest infection.
The Queen has just completed a mammoth tour of Australia and Samoa with King Charles. The couple are pictured smiling together during a visit to a beach in Apia, Samoa
Camilla is resting at home in Wiltshire after falling ill following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa
Camilla is anticipated to return to work as soon as next week and is set to host a reception for authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize at Clarence House.
She is also expected to attend the glitzy global premiere of Gladiator II at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square next Wednesday evening.
Buckingham Palace announced the King and Camilla will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott.
The reception marks the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, of which Charles is patron. The events are taking place on the eve of the King’s birthday, with Charles turning 76 next Thursday.
The King led the nation and royal family in honouring Britain’s fallen soldiers on Sunday, as he placed the first poppy wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
This is the nation’s chief war memorial dedicated to those who died in World War I and II.
Queen Camilla, 78, is set to return to work as early as next week to host a reception for Booker Prize shortlisted authors
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend a welcome ceremony in Apia, Samoa, on October 24
Queen Camilla waves while boarding an Royal Australian Air Force plane ahead of departing from Faleolo Airport in Samoa after the royal visit to Australia and Samoa on October 26
The Duchess of Gloucester pauses during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. She stepped in for Queen Camilla who fell ill with a chest infection
The Royal Navy prepare for Sunday at HMS Excellent training base in Hampshire on Tuesday
The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on November 12, 2023
His wreath was designed to pay homage to his grandfather King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
The wreath of poppies was placed on a bed of black leaves, bearing the monarch’s racing colours of scarlet, purple and gold – as is traditional for a Sovereign.
Queen Camilla’s wreath, which also bears her racing colours inherited from her grandfather and inspired by the Queen Mother, was placed on her behalf by an Equerry from the Royal Household. Both wreathes were made by the Poppy Factory.
Prince William laid the wreath previously placed by King Charles III, featuring the Prince of Wales feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red.