Prince William Signals Kate Middleton’s His ‘Sole Focus’ in ‘Rare’ Move During State Visit
All eyes on Kate Middleton. When she stepped out with Prince William to kick off a state visit, the Prince of Wales, 42, made it clear that his wife, the Princess of Wales, 42, is his “priority.” How? With some subtle yet powerful body language.
Kate Middleton joined Prince William for the royal family’s state visit welcome
Unlike earlier this year when William welcomed guests from Japan alone, on Dec. 3, 2024, when the Amir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, arrived in London, England, for a state visit, he had Kate by his side.
William and Kate greeted the Qatari royals at their hotel—and, of course, posed for some photos along the way. Then the couples traveled together to the Horse Guards parade to begin the official ceremonial welcome before a private lunch at Buckingham Palace with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Sadly, Kate didn’t have a tiara moment at the evening’s state dinner because she skipped it. However, Queen Camilla, who is recovering from pneumonia, did step out wearing a stunning tiara. David and Victoria Beckham were also among the guests at the state dinner.
William made Kate his ‘priority’ at the state visit event
Body language expert Judi James analyzed William and Kate’s state visit appearance, telling the U.K.’s Express the future king sent a message by putting a hand on his wife’s shoulder as the official welcome got underway.
“This hand-to-shoulder gesture is not primarily a signal of concern from William,” she said. “But more one of ensuring Kate and even the world know she has his undivided attention and sole focus despite the royal state visit and all the dignitaries they are meeting and hosting.”
In body language terms, James described it as a “priority ritual.” (Remember Kate’s still easing into a busier schedule of more high-profile appearances as her cancer recovery continues.)
“It’s a priority ritual and one that will be like a stroke to both her royal status and to her sense of being the most important person in his life,” James continued before noting William doubled down on Kate being his “priority” during the state visit in another way.
“He offers it with another telling, confirmational gesture, which is the head-cock.” Additionally, “as she speaks, he also lets her know that she has his full attention.”
It proved ‘impressively romantic’ on William’s part
Making Kate his “priority” wasn’t just a sweet move from William. According to James, it’s uncommon among British royals, especially given the circumstances, which made it even more of a touching gesture.
“He’s prioritising [sic] his wife here, and in Royal Family terms this is a rare ritual,” the body language expert said. “Royal couples rarely pay too much attention to each other in public, especially at state events like this. Which makes it an even more impressively romantic signal from the prince.”
Look out for more PDA from William and Kate when they—and likely their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—go to Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024, for Kate’s annual Christmas carol service, which will be broadcast in the U.K. on Christmas Eve.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
