08 December 2023 , 19:10
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The Princess of Wales showed her growing confidence with a classic "power technique" at her annual Christmas carol concert, an expert has claimed.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made a rare public for the annual Westminster Abbey event hosted by Kate which has quickly become a firm fixture in the festive royal calendar. Kate had travelled ahead of her family to meet and thank the celebrities taking part and she stopped to chat with a number of the young people invited to the event.
For the event, she wore smart white trousers by Holland Cooper teamed with a matching coloured coat by tailor Chris Kerr and a Strathberry handbag. And according to body language expert Judi James, this was the princess at "peak confidence".
Kate arrived at the event alone in an all-cream outfit (AFP via Getty Images)She told the Mirror: "Kate's body language signals of confidence increase every year at this event and this arrival in stunning, statuesque, winter white, shows her at her confidence peak. She now gets screams from the crowd like a rock star and she acknowledges the support with a friendly, rather than a royal wave.
"Walking into the event with her hosts Kate even uses the classic 'power gesticulation technique' employed by political and business leaders, lifting her hands to use animated gestures just as she comes up to the camera. As a royal, this gesture places her in a more active, assertive role here as she arrives solo to host her own special evening event.
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Kate crouches down to speak to one of her young guests (Getty Images)"Despite the leadership and power signals though she is also emphatic about creating some self-effacing rituals to make herself seem approachable and relatable. Her waves are held very low to look friendly and as she talks or is introduced to guests and performers she arches her back slightly, which is a gesture Diana used under similar circumstances. It keeps the greeting more casual and implies a sense of fun, too.
"Despite wearing impeccable white Kate still kneels right down to the floor to chat to a small boy in the pews. This is an immersive conversation that lasts several seconds, with Kate showing active listening signals and engaging the boy one-to-one as though no one was watching."
This year the service reflects the princess' early years Shaping Us campaign launched in January, which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child's life. It was billed as a moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK and among the 1,500 guests were midwives and nursery teachers.
The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme airing at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITV X on Christmas Eve, featuring additional material including an introduction by Kate and films emphasising the importance of early childhood.
It will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea and Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock.