Body language skilled reveals Prince William continues to ‘cherish and defend’ Kate Middleton throughout Christmas Day look – as he ‘ignites a smile’ from his spouse

Prince William put an ‘ignited smile’ on his wife Kate Middleton‘s face during a ‘moment of concern yesterday’, a body language expert revealed.

As the royals gathered on Christmas Day to make the annual stroll to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, there was a brief ‘moment of concern’ for the Princess of Wales, who recently underwent cancer treatment and is making a slow return to public life.

Making her way past crowds of royal fans bearing bouquets of flowers, Kate, 42, had briefly wore an ‘unsmiling expression’, suggesting she may have been feeling ‘tiredness or a moment of concern’.

The moment arrived when William and Kate were briefly separated, with the Prince of Wales occupied while speaking to the clergy.

But ever her knight in shining armour, a quick exchanging glance with William, 42, immediately gave her the reassurance she needed, transforming her expression into an ‘ignited smile’.

Body language expert, Judi James said: ‘She looked across and William and they exchanged a glance that came with an “ignited smile”, meaning her expression responded to his grin with an instant and wide smile of her own.’

Her attendance followed joyous anticipation after what has been a gruelling year for the Princess, who stunned the world with a shock cancer diagnosis in March 2024.

According to Judi, Kate’s instant smile was ‘perhaps the biggest body language cue of the current relationship’ between the Waleses.

She added: ‘His strongest moment of support here came at a distance then, but it was a powerful tie-sign between them nevertheless and with that response smile in place, Kate went out to greet the fans looking genuinely happy and touched.’ 

The moment marked the prince’s continued efforts to ’embrace, cherish and protect his wife through her health battles’, with his doting care evident from the first revealing video made about Kate’s illness earlier this year.

The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo treatment immediately.

She began a gradual and measured return to public life after announcing she had completed a preventative course of chemotherapy in September.

With Christmas a crucial appearance in Kate’s slow return, there will undoubtedly have been ‘a strong desire to create a happy and worry-free Christmas day for their three children’, said Judi.  

‘We’ve seen William having to be more hands-off with Kate, taking his usual family spot of being along the other end of the line and watching on Christmas Day as Kate became consumed by the crowds who were all waiting to offer her hugs of their own.’

‘His smiles would be a given as the late Queen’s legacy is all about stoicism, although there was a glimpse of some edge-to-edge teeth behind his lips that hinted at inner tension, even though he knew that Sophie and even the very dashing and experienced Jonny Thompson were close by Kate all through her Christmas outings and keeping the most caring of eyes on her.’

Nevertheless, supporting her through fleeting ‘moment of concern’ – William’s faraway smiles were exactly the remedy needed to reassure Kate and give her the support she needed to carry on. 

During the appearance yesterday, all eyes were on Kate as she looked as positive and radiant as ever, bearing no indication of the challenging year behind her. 

The princess dazzled in a forest green Alexander McQueen coat, which she had previously worn during a visit to Leeds in January 2023.

She teamed the coat with a matching fascinator and scarf, as well as a pair of black gloves and black boots by Gianvito Rossi to keep warm.

The future queen carried a small handbag by Grace Han – as the she waved at the crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church.

Kate’s beautiful new earrings with blue jewels and diamonds were by London-based jewellery designer Robinson Pelham.

Her silky brunette locks were styled in soft waves, while her make-up was typically understated yet flawless.

Fans have been queuing in Sandringham since early yesterday evening, with several people eager to wish Kate and the Royal Family a Merry Christmas after what has been a particularly difficult 12 months.

King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year, and the monarch is still undergoing treatment for the disease.

As King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales walked into the church, the crowds could be heard wishing them a ‘Merry Christmas!’.

Kate’s infectious smile was testament to her courage in the face of adversity as well as her work ethic, as the Christmas service marks just one of many official public engagements attended by the Princess since announcing her cancer treatment.

It is also the second time the Wales family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King’s birthday parade, in June.

Prince William, 42, looked dapper in a navy coat and trousers, perhaps paving the way for his son’s dashing style, with George wearing a similar ensemble to the future King.

Meanwhile, Charlotte twinned with her mother, with the young princess also wearing a dark green coat.

They were joined by senior members of the Royal Family including Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, as well as Princess Beatrice.

Earlier this month, the Waleses and other members of the Royal Family came together for Kate’s special Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in London.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their two children Archie and Lilibet remained in Montecito in California, USA.

For the Royals, festivities usually start when everyone arrives on Christmas Eve. The family open their presents, some of which are gag gifts – one of the Royal Family’s traditions.

The family then attend services at Saint Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning. Once they get home Christmas lunch is served, followed by afternoon games.