'Most striking' signs Kate Middleton is 'ready' for her future role as queen
Kate's 'authentic' smile was noted as a major indicator
As Kate Middleton carried out engagements in West Wales on Tuesday (February 3), her warmth, composure, and ease stood out. But this time, experts say, something deeper is quietly emerging: a woman growing steadily into her future role as queen.
Visiting the historic Melin Tregwynt woollen mill, the Princess of Wales demonstrated her usual calm confidence and rapport with the public.
However, she also showcased what body language expert Darren Stanton calls some of the “most striking” non-verbal signs that she is “ready” to lead.
‘Striking’ signs Kate Middleton is ‘ready’ to lead in future role as queen
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton analysed footage and images from the visit. He pointed to several key indicators that show how Kate has become a central pillar of the monarchy, who is clearly preparing for the responsibilities that await her.
Stanton said: “What really stands out to me is her humility and grounded nature. Despite the fact that she is destined to become Queen of England, that sense of status never seems to dominate how she carries herself.”
One of the most “striking” signals of this, Stanton explained, is her smile.
Unlike the polite, rehearsed smiles common in public-facing roles, Kate’s expressions show “authentic joy,” complete with dimples, crinkled eyes, and lifted cheekbones.
These features, he said, reflect “a full, open expression of happiness and engagement”.
He also noted her self-assurance when appearing solo at engagements.
He said: “[Kate] doesn’t rely on the presence of other senior royals to project confidence or authority. That ease speaks volumes about her growing self-assurance and her evolution into a more vital, central figure within the monarchy.”
“There’s no performance or obligation,” Stanton continued. “This ability to connect so sincerely… underscores not only her confidence but also her readiness for the larger role she is steadily growing into.”
Princess Catherine visits Wales
That sincerity was on full display during her visit to Melin Tregwynt, where she spent time learning about Welsh weaving traditions and speaking with local artisans.
According to Louise Clarke, the mill’s director, Kate was genuinely invested in the people and the process.
“[She] had a keen interest in what everybody was doing and why,” Clarke told PEOPLE. “She’s so easy to talk to. It was like chatting to someone who had just popped in.”
Kate didn’t just observe, she participated, even trying her hand at mending, loom weaving, and tying knots, prompting Clarke to joke: “You could be our new apprentice!”
What impressed Clarke most, however, was that Kate clearly “wanted to be there”.
Kate’s interest in textiles is personal. Her paternal ancestors, the Luptons, were wool manufacturers based in Leeds. Meanwhile, her great-grandfather, Noel Middleton, served as a director of William Lupton & Co.
That company was later sold to AW Hainsworth, a heritage mill Kate visited in 2023.
Over the past year, she has embarked on a quiet mission to spotlight UK textile manufacturing.
Tuesday’s second engagement took her to Hiut Denim, a family-run designer jeans brand also based in Wales. The label rose to fame after Meghan Markle wore their jeans in 2018. However, Kate’s visit was focused on sustainability, including the company’s “Déjà Blue” program that revives old denim for resale.
Read more: Kate Middleton compared to late Prince Philip as her ‘role’ in marriage with William ‘revealed’
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