Kate Middleton déjà vu. That’s what happened over the weekend when the Princess of Wales, 42, took part in the British royal family’s Remembrance Day events. Her outfit and expression had a body language expert revisiting one of Kate’s “regal” moments from 2021.
Kate marked Remembrance Day with the royal family
On Nov. 9, 2024, Kate joined Prince William and other British royals for Remembrance Day—or Veterans Day in the U.S.—festivities. They attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. It marked Kate’s first major joint appearance with her husband, the Prince of Wales, 42, since Trooping the Colour in June 2024.
Kate didn’t stop there. A day later on Nov. 10, 2024, she joined William at the royal family’s service at the Cenotaph. The future queen watched from a balcony alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Kate recreated her ‘regal’ moment from Prince Philip’s funeral
Examining Kate’s demeanor at the Remembrance Day service, body language expert Judi James noted how everything from the 42-year-old’s outfit to her facial expression looked very much like it did at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip, in April 2021.
“Kate’s body language and even her styling today showed a return to what looked like full regal form,” James said, noting her “fiercely regal look of stoic reflection” (via Express). “Even her fascinator and the way she wore her hair swept up looked like a re-run of one of her most iconic ‘regal’ moments.”
Specifically, “when she was photographed in the car, in her Covid face mask, at Philip’s funeral, looking fiercely elegant and regal and so much like a future queen.” At the time, James called it “the perfect time for Kate to appear looking more regal than she has before: elegant, confident, and very slightly aloof in a way that is in contrast to the laughing, often self-effacing woman we usually see with her husband and/or children, (via Express).
“If anyone was wondering what a future Queen Catherine might look like, this was the moment that appeared to show us,” James added. “And there was never a better time to reassure fans in terms of the continuity of the crown.”
Kate isn’t back to work yet
Although Kate had a busy weekend—two appearances in as many days—she hasn’t officially returned to royal duties. She’s slowly ramping up her schedule while reportedly trying to find the right “balance” between work and her own “well-being” as her recovery continues.
Kate announced she’d completely preventative chemotherapy and was now “cancer-free” in September 2024 after spending the majority of the year, save for a few appearances, out of the spotlight. She also acknowledged that she had a “long” road ahead to making a “full recovery.”
Kate’s next major appearances are expected, but not yet confirmed, for December 2024. She’s tapped to attend her annual Christmas carol concert, which will be held at Windsor Castle instead of Westminster Abbey, and possibly a state dinner—tiara and all.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
