12 November 2023 , 12:31
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The Princess of Wales appeared to issue Queen Camilla a subtle reminder about royal hierarchy as they watched the annual Remembrance Sunday service, a body language expert has claimed.
The two women took their traditional spot on a balcony of the Foreign Office, which overlooks the Cenotaph in Central London, to watch the emotional service led by King Charles. Both wrapped up against the chilly weather in elegant black coats and hats, with both wearing pearl jewellery. Today marked the second time Charles has led the nation on Remembrance Sunday since he became monarch with a poignant two minutes' silence before laying a wreath at the Cenotaph followed by Prince William and other royals and politicians.
Kate and Camilla at Remembrance Sunday today (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)And according to body language expert Judi James, both Kate and Camilla gave the impression of a "strong team" as they stood together to watch their husbands take part in the ceremony below. She told the Mirror: "Standing apart, almost at either end of the royal balcony and without Sophie present to create the usual trio of royal brides, Camilla and Kate presented visibly as status equals here.
"Their poses looked similar and their almost matching, wide-brimmed hats were both pitched at exactly the same angle, with this mirroring giving the impression of a strong team of two as they looked down on their husbands laying their wreaths. Kate had looked tearful at the very moving service the previous evening and she sustained a very solemn facial expression here but Camilla adopted a ‘beatific’ smile which is a gesture associated with calm, quiet happiness."
The two women exchange words as they watch the ceremony (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)However, Judi did note there was one moment right at the end of the service, where Kate appeared to remind Camilla about hierarchy - given she is the Queen, while Kate is a princess.
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Judi explained: "There was a moment at the end of the service when both women seemed to define the way that the late Queen’s death has left them still needing small royal hierarchical reminders or cues. Camilla turned her head towards the interior but it seemed to need Kate to say ‘after you’ as she turned in the same direction. Camilla threw her wide, affectionate smile of what looked like gratitude as the two women stepped elegantly inside."
Kate watches the emotional service (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Kate wore three poppies pinned to her coat (Getty Images)Meanwhile, unlike King Charles and other members of the Royal Family who wore one simple poppy on their uniforms, Kate added several of the flowers to her outfit to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts. Despite never being confirmed by the palace, one theory is that the royals wear multiple brooches in honour of family members who have fought and died in wars.
While the reason the Princess of Wales always chooses to wear several poppies to Remembrance events has never been revealed, many believe the reason stems from her wish to pay tribute to lost family members. Kate's great-grandmother had three brothers who were all killed in action during World War One and the Princess had the opportunity to view letters from her ancestors during an emotional visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018.
Other female members of the Royal Family often choose to do the same. The late Queen would famously wear a collection of five poppies to the Cenotaph which many believed was her way of paying tribute to the five branches of service, these include: the Army, the Royal Navy and the RAF.