Princess Kate's hidden truth after 'stand in' steps out during royal's first appearance
Kate Middleton attended Trooping the Colour at the weekend, a ceremonial event performed every year on Horse Guards Parade to celebrate King Charles's birthday. The Princess hadn't been seen in public since Christmas Day, following a trip to hospital for planned abdominal surgery and later her shock announcement that she is undergoing cancer treatment.
Body language expert to the stars Judi James, has opened up about Kate's "discreet" public appearance and suggested one royal, in particular, acted as a stand-in for the future Queen - none other than her daughter.
Speaking exclusively to Express Online, the communications specialist suggested Princess Charlotte openly supported her mother amid her return to royal events. The body language expert shared her insights into the pair's interaction, and suggested the Princess of Wales has not yet made a full return to public duties.
Judi told Express.co.uk: "Her hat brim was tilted so that her face was partly hidden in the carriage, when she would normally wear a hat in a way that her full face would be on show at all times. She smiled and waved from the carriage but it was Charlotte who seemed to be standing in a little for her mother, copying Kate's normally dazzling pitch perfect smile and flashing it at the crowds while waving furiously as the carriage went on its route."
Princess Kate
She continued: "The children looked so proud of their mother. When the carriage arrived they all jumped out to form a little guard of honour for her, standing in line as she stepped down slightly gingerly.
"Charlotte in particular did a little military-looking wheel round to march in front of Kate."
The Princess of Wales's daughter also appeared to have taken a hand in ensuring her siblings behaved themselves during the ceremony.
"Kate was clearly still on mummy duty, sitting Louis beside her for a hug when they watched from the window and stroking Charlotte's hair in an act of maternal affection," Judi explained.
Trooping The Colour 2024
Trooping The Colour 2024
She added: "Charlotte was still on prefect duty here though, telling Louis to place his arms at his sides for the anthem and even nudging him with her own arm."
Kate was supported at the event by her family members including Prince William and the royal couple's three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they honoured King Charles on his official birthday.
It comes after the Princess of Wales thanked the public for their messages of support in a poignant tribute shared on the royal's official X account.
She explained her treatment is still ongoing and will continue over the next few months.
Kate and Charlotte
Kate wrote: "On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal."
"Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me," she concluded.
2001 - Prince William and Kate Middleton meet at University of St Andrews
2002 - They move in together with friends
2004 - William and Kate go through a 'trial separation'
2007 - William ends the relationship with Kate
2007 - They get back together
2010 - William proposes to Kate on a trip to Kenya
2011 - They marry in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey
2011 - They undertake the first royal tour together as husband and wife
2012 - The Royal Family announces William and Kate are expecting their first child
July 2013 - Prince George Alexander Louis is born
2014 - Kate and William announce their second pregnancy
May 2015 - Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana is born
2017 - William and Kate announce they are expecting their third child
April 2018 - Prince Louis Arthur Charles is born
2022 - Prince William becomes Prince of Wales, Kate becomes Princess of Wales