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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Kate Middleton's 'bravado' gesture hours after Harry and Meghan's Netflix claims - expert

The Princess of Wales gave a clear sign of bravado and resilience as she hosted a Christmas carol service, just hours after Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary, a body language expert has claimed.

Kate was at Westminster Abbey for the service, which was also attended by her husband Prince William and oldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte - as well as the King and Queen Consort.

Their appearance at the service was just hours after the explosive second part of Harry & Meghan dropped on Netflix, where Harry told how it was “terrifying” to have William shout and scream at him at the Sandringham summit during the Megxit crisis.

Kate arrives at Westminster Abbey to host a Christmas Carol concert (PA)

Harry also accused his brother’s office Kensington Palace of trading negative stories, saying it was “heartbreaking” to see something he and William promised would they would “never ever do” taking place.

And he described how “people” were upset that Meghan was “‘stealing the limelight’ or doing the job better than the person who is born to do this”.

But as Kate arrived first for the service, dressed in an elegant deep red coat dress with matching shoes and a clutch bag, she greeted clergy at the door of the abbey before going inside where she chatted with guests and enthusiastically high-fived children.

Kate arrived first wearing a burgundy coat (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Kate was joined at the service by the King and Queen Consort (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

And according to body language expert Judi James, on arrival, she showed three clear signals of her "determination and resilience".

She told the Mirror: "There is the flicking of her hair back to sweep away from her face on the right side, which is a signal of confidence as she makes sure that her face is totally visible to the cameras as she walks into the venue.

"Tossing your hair about is always a sign of bravado and an intention to be strong and hold your head up high.

"She also walks with a wide stride. This is a hard trick to pull off in high heeled court shoes, which again suggests a determination to look resilient and determined.

Kate was joined by her husband Prince William and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

"She carries her gloves and her clutch bag in one hand to allow the other to hang free at her side.

"There is one moment when she appears to try to take the bag in both hands, which could form a wary-looking, self-protective barrier ritual, but she seems to self-police this gesture quickly, dropping her hand as though remembering she intends to project confidence.

"Kate’s smile is congruent with rounded cheeks but it is a more characterful smile than her normal royal version."

After her solo arrival, Kate later went to the door of the Abbey to greet William, who arrived separately with George and Charlotte.

And Judi also noted: "The group form a solid-looking line-up to walk in together, with Kate firmly in the lead as host of the event.

"William holds onto Charlotte’s hand but although Kate allows her hand to hang close to George’s she seems aware that he might prefer to walk in without holding on, although he receives a gently guiding hand on the back from Kate.

"Kate looks excited to show her children the decorations at the event but the stand-out feature is how George mimics his father’s walk as they go into the venue. Both seem to walk with a bit of a Mike Tindall-style tough-guy swagger, with arms down at their sides and smiles on their faces."

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