The Princess of Wales’ calm demeanor suggests she has been a tower of strength for Prince William on a difficult day – as the country marks a year since the Queen died, a body language expert has claimed.
William and Kate marked the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death with a small private service at an old cathedral in Wales, with Kate appearing ‘confident’ both in church and when greeting well-wishers – suggesting she was ‘confident’ was in her role to support “a grandson who is eager to honor his grandmother.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales traveled to St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire – just a year after the country’s longest-reigning monarch died in Balmoral at the age of 96.
According to body language expert Judi James, Kate cut a ‘regal, confident’ figure during the Prince and Princess of Wales’ visit to St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire to mark one year since the Queen’s death
Crowds gathered from dawn to catch a glimpse of their arrival in the cathedral grounds, but they had to wait in the sun after fog nearby meant the couple’s helicopter had to be diverted and their arrival with was delayed for more than an hour.
Body language expert Judi James said it was clear from the moment they arrived what role Kate had to play – and she felt comfortable fulfilling it.
She told MailOnline: ‘Kate looks so high-minded and regal here, much more confident, assured and in control than she appeared on the walkabout immediately after the Queen’s death.’
James said the Princess of Wales’s gestures and poise suggest she is “the crucial provider of support and strength for William, whose body language fluctuates more, with more personal hints of a grandson honoring his beloved grandmother.”
Prince William’s clasped hands in front of his torso showed a more personal side of the royal family, like “a grandson honoring his beloved grandmother,” James noted.
‘Shy-looking waves’: Prince William’s more vulnerable side as he honored the anniversary of his grandmother’s death was evident today, says Body Language Reader
The Prince and Princess of Wales will arrive at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Prince and Princess of Wales will arrive at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Prince and Princess of Wales will arrive at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
Signs that Kate was more relaxed than William came from the way her arms fell naturally to her sides, while the prince’s hand gestures were more restless, she speculates, suggesting his personal grief is still deep.
‘While Kate stands with her arms at her sides, or is seen making a lively gesture as she talks in the abbey, William glances out at the waiting crowd with his hands folded rather sweetly in front of his torso, or small, performing shy-looking performances. waves as if once again grateful for the empathy and support of the fans in his time of remembrance and mourning.”
William and Kate were due to arrive at the church at 12.25pm but eventually turned up around 1.30pm and greeted well-wishers before heading inside for the ten-minute service.
A well-wisher could be heard shouting at William: “You’re doing a great job!”
In a poignant moment during the service, William walked forward with Kate, who placed a floral tribute of white roses in front of a photo of Queen Elizabeth II.
After laying the flowers, Kate – who wore a pair of earrings that once belonged to the late queen – stood with William in silent contemplation for about ten seconds with their heads slightly bowed, before turning and walking away.
The Very Reverend Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St David’s, told the congregation: ‘It is particularly poignant to welcome you here, Your Royal Highnesses, on Accession Day, the first anniversary of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II .
William and Kate are escorted to their seats by Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St. David’s Cathedral
The Prince and Princess of Wales will arrive at St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Prince and Princess of Wales meet dignitaries during their visit to St. David’s Cathedral
‘She came here four times: the only monarch to sit in the seat of the Sovereign, the seat of a chapter member that came into the possession of the Crown during the Reformation.
“Today countless people will remember her with both sadness and great affection, and once again express gratitude for her long life of dedicated service – as we do here.”
Their trip came at the same time that William’s brother Prince Harry made a shocking and secret visit to St George’s Chapel, the Windsor church where the Queen is buried.
In St Davids, royal fan Amanda Bentley, 47, from Pembroke Dock, arrived at 9.30am with her friends. She told MailOnline: ‘We thought it would be a good opportunity to come and see Wills and Kate.
‘I like that they have a modern approach to the monarchy, and I think William and Charles will be a good example for future generations because they were given such a good example (from the Queen).
The late queen visited the cathedral four times during her reign – in 1955, 1982, 1995 and 2001 – and sat in a special stall within the cathedral’s section.
St David’s was a place close to the Queen’s heart and the decision of the Prince and Princess of Wales to go there reflects that affection and their new role.
Britain’s smallest city had lost its city status but was returned in 1994, at the Queen’s request, along with the Northern Irish city of Armagh ‘in recognition of their important Christian heritage and their status as cities in the last century’ .
Prince William and Kate walk forward to place flowers next to a framed photo of the late Queen Elizabeth II during a service at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire this afternoon
The Princess of Wales lays flowers during today’s service at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales
Kate pauses at the flowers she laid at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales this afternoon
The royal couple posted a number of images of the late monarch to their Instagram page today, including this one in honor of the platinum anniversary on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (pictured)
The heartfelt message was signed by W&C for William and Catherine and posted on the anniversary of the Queen’s death
It came as the royal family collectively mourned the monarch. Earlier, the King looked emotional as he left Crathie Kirk at Balmoral after paying a touching tribute to his adored mother.
As the country marks the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death today, crowds gathered at Buckingham Palace and gun salutes rang out across the United Kingdom in honor of Her Majesty.
William and Kate also shared their own favorite photos of the late monarch, saying: ‘Today we commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. WC’.