‘Sadness is clear’ for ‘robust’ Kate Middleton as she returns to royal duties

Kate Middleton showed “strength and confidence” as she returned to royal duty after completing a course of chemotherapy treatment, according to a body language expert – but for her, the ‘solemnity’ of the occasion was evident.

The Princess of Wales was seen standing proud from the central balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London‘s Whitehall as she watched this year’s Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

This marks the first time Kate, who is recovering from cancer, has carried out two consecutive days of official engagements since her diagnosis earlier this year. Yesterday (Saturday, November 9) she attended the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Now, a body language expert has said that Kate is feeling “strong and confident”. Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, said: “The first glimpse we see of Princess Catherine on the balcony, watching the Remembrance Sunday service, her body language projects strength and confidence, while she’s fully connected with the solemnity of the occasion.

“Her torso faces forward at all times, even when she holds a quiet conversation, and her shoulders are squared off. This tells us that she’s feeling strong and confident, and that she is paying attention to the service. Her eyes are lowered for much of the time, which shows that the sadness of the day is evident to her.”

Honigman added that Kate’s “expression is neutral” with “no smile nor a frown.” This, she said, indicated the future Queen is “focused on the event.”

At last year’s service, Kate stood next to Queen Camilla, who is absent from the event this year as she recovers from a chest infection. She was also absent from the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey and a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, both held on Thursday (November 7).

A spokesperson for the Palace said: “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.

“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.”

Instead, Kate was accompanied by the Duchess of Edinburgh. The pair appeared on the balcony just before 11am, where they marked a day dedicated to those who have suffered or died in war and conflict.