London24NEWS

Body language skilled reveals touching hidden tribute in Kate Middleton’s birthday portrait

A body language expert says the birthday portrait of Kate Middleton released to the public by Prince William shows a hidden tribute to the couple’s marriage as Kate turned 43 today

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit 'The Street' community hub during an official visit to Scarborough on November 3, 2022 in Scarborough, England
Kate turned 43 today(Image: Getty Images)

A body language expert says there is a hidden tribute in the Princess of Wales’ birthday portrait.

The photo of Kate for her 43rd birthday was shared by husband Prince William. It was taken in Windsor last summer, showing the princess looking relaxed and smiling with her hands in her jean pockets and wearing a gingham scarf.

Speaking on behalf of JeffBet, body language expert Darren Stanton said the portrait shows Kate back in control following her 2024 cancer diagnosis.“Kate’s choice of stance in this photo is very clever,” he said. “On the one hand, she’s leaning back a tad and has her hands in her pockets, which could be perceived as casual and relaxed. She’s also keeping her thumbs exposed, which gives a real air of confidence and commands attention. It’s almost like a cowboy stance. Her smile appears genuine and engages her whole face. She’s looking off camera, which gives the shot a more authentic and candid vibe.”

 Kate Middleton
William revealed the snap of Kate today(Image: princeandprincessofwales/Instagram)

Darren said Kate’s choice of clothing is “understated yet stylish”.

“She’s wearing tailoring in the form of a blazer, but it’s open and the collar of her blouse is unbuttoned,” he said. “She’s wearing jeans too and her hair is styled but flowing freely. The only piece of jewellery she has chosen to wear is her engagement ring, and despite her hands in her pocket, it’s fully on display.

“This signals to me that she’s paying tribute to William and their marriage. She didn’t want any other piece of jewellery to distract and she wanted to let the ring take centre stage. It’s a very deliberate move. They’ve been through a challenging year and William has no doubt been her rock.”

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales reacts after attending the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England, on December 25, 2024
Kate was ‘paying tribute to William and their marriage,’ Darren said(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The photo, posted to social media, was accompanied by a heartfelt message from William following a difficult 2024. William made a public declaration of his and their children’s love for Kate, telling her “We love you” in the message signed “W”. The

William wrote: “To the most incredible wife and mother.

“The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you.

“Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W”

Kate reacts as she speaks to members of the emergency services during a visit to Southport Community Centre in Southport, north west England on October 10, 2024
Kate was labelled an ‘incredible’ wife and mother(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

William and Kate have reached a more honest and open place in their marriage, Darren said.

Article continues below

“For someone to make such an overt display of public affection, whether it’s physical or a statement on social media, it usually means they are confident to speak this openly behind closed doors,” he said.

“This is not the behaviour we’ve typically seen from older royals but it shows we’re in a new era. William clearly loves his wife, is forging his own path as the future King and isn’t afraid to show his emotions. William’s tribute to Kate demonstrates the love and connection they already share and no doubt proves they’ve become more open and honest about their feelings after enduring such a challenge last year.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.