The Princess of Wales has been hailed as the new "royal spirit of Christmas" after her heartfelt and energetic hosting of a major festive event, with an expert suggesting she is redefining the monarchy's traditionally formal seasonal demeanour.
Hosting with 'Excitement and Confidence'
Last night, Princess Kate hosted her fifth annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event drew more than 1,600 guests, including members of the Royal Family, performers, and members of the public, to celebrate the festive season.
Braving the cold December evening, the Princess was seen beaming as she arrived at the Abbey. According to body language expert Judi James, who spoke to the Mirror, Kate's mood was evident even before she stepped out of her car. "We can see her chatting animatedly, beaming and tossing her head inside the car," James noted, describing it as a "strong announcement gesture" that showed her "excitement and joy are authentic and not just a mask."
Her walk into the venue was reportedly fast-paced and high-energy, signalling keenness and confidence, and she acknowledged cheers from the crowd with a broad smile. James pointed out a telling micro-gesture: "Kate’s smile here has one very telling detail, where her tongue is just visible between her teeth. This is a ‘tell’ of genuine anticipation and delight."
Pitch-Perfect Royal Hosting Signals
Once inside the historic abbey, the Princess of Wales took considerable time to personally engage with performers and attendees. Judi James analysed her interactions as "pitch-perfect" hosting.
"She uses an outstretched arm to shake hands but bends her other elbow so her arm is in a ‘freeze-frame’ gesture. Combined with her forward-leaning torso this pose suggests keenness to meet and chat," James explained, calling it an "active listening ritual."
A particularly touching moment came when Kate met a young girl. She crouched down to the child's height and gently touched her arm, a move designed to make the girl feel like "the VIP." The expert also highlighted Kate's warm conversation with Canadian actor Eugene Levy, with whom she discussed his day out with Prince William. James noted Kate's "enthralled" hand gesture—clasped hands held high to her chest—and minimal spatial distance, indicating an intimate and engaged chat rather than formal small-talk.
Creating a New Christmas Tradition
Judi James contrasted Kate's approach with the Royal Family's historic Christmas formality, noting that festive events have often been "as formal and even stilted as at any other time in the year," including the monarch's annual speech.
"Kate has steadily made herself as much a part of Christmas tradition with these services," James stated, adding that her body language this year "is remarkable in terms of reflecting and embracing the true spirit of Christmas."
The expert believes that by taking full ownership of such a joyous, community-focused occasion, the Princess has cemented a vital new role. "It's the kind of event a Queen would normally do but even then, she has taken it to a different level by showing such total ownership as host," James said. She concluded that creating her own hands-on festive tradition for the public is a "phenomenal achievement" for someone who married into the institution.
The annual carol service, focused on themes of togetherness and acceptance, has now become a key fixture in the royal calendar, with the Princess of Wales at its heart, radiating what experts deem an authentic and transformative festive spirit.
