Kate Middleton's 'concern' during Christmas Day walkabout as William 'supported her'
Body language expert Judi James analysed the "brief" moment in 2024Kate Middleton captured hearts during the royal family’s Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham in 2024, where she appeared poised yet deeply human in a rare “moment of concern”.
However, Prince William provided her with subtle support, demonstrating their strong bond amidst the challenges of the year.
Kate Middleton’s ‘concern’ during Christmas Day walkabout
The festive walkabout followed a challenging year for the princess, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
Kate underwent major abdominal surgery in January, before cancer was found following tests. She then underwent a preventative course of chemotherapy.
In September 2024, she announced the end of her treatment. Then in January 2025, Kate announced she was in remission. This year, she has made a gradual return to public life.
As Kate greeted well-wishers lining the Sandringham estate in December 2024, a brief “unsmiling expression” crossed her face – a fleeting moment that body language expert Judi James described as “tiredness or a moment of concern”.
The moment occurred while Prince William was briefly separated from her, as he was engaged in conversation with clergy members.
Her expression responded to his grin with an instant and wide smile of her own.
However, a simple exchange of glances between the couple transformed the atmosphere.
She looked across at William, and they exchanged a glance that came with an “ignited smile”. Judi explained to the Daily Mail: “Her expression responded to his grin with an instant and wide smile of her own.”
This subtle interaction demonstrated the strength of their relationship.
“His strongest moment of support here came at a distance,” Judi added. “But it was a powerful tie-sign between them nevertheless and with that response smile in place, Kate went out to greet the fans looking genuinely happy and touched.”
Kate and William on Christmas Day
Dressed in a forest green Alexander McQueen coat paired with matching accessories, Kate radiated elegance and grace despite the underlying challenges of her health journey.
She waved warmly at the gathered crowds, many of whom had queued since Christmas Eve to catch a glimpse of the princess and wish her well.
Throughout the princess’ health battle, Prince William remained a source of support.
From accompanying her during treatment to offering quiet moments of reassurance in public, William’s dedication to his wife has been evident.
“We’ve seen William having to be more hands-off with Kate, taking his usual family spot of being along the other end of the line and watching on Christmas Day as Kate became consumed by the crowds who were all waiting to offer her hugs of their own,” Judi James remarked.
Royal family at Christmas walkabout
Meanwhile, Princess Kate had an unexpected moment during the Christmas Day walkabout in 2024.
As the royal family spoke to fans, Kate was seen embracing a fellow cancer patient.
The patient in question was Karen Maclean. In an interview with The Sun, she opened up about her memorable interaction with the princess.
“We were talking about our illnesses, because we’re both cancer victims, when she reached out and hugged me,” Karen recalled.
“It was really unexpected and such a joy… I gave her a tight squeeze back. It was such a surreal moment. I wasn’t expecting that at all. It was so overwhelmingly good.
“You get a camaraderie with other cancer victims. Unless you’ve been on that journey you can’t understand what it’s like.”
Read more: Kate Middleton’s touching Christmas gift to hospital where she received cancer treatment
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