The Princess of Wales appeared in gold at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, where her confident posture suggested Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not in her thoughts, according to a body language expert.
Catherine joined Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camilla to conclude the first day of the Sultan of Oman's state visit to the UK. The appearance came as Prince Harry featured in a new interview with GQ, discussing his grief, military service, relationship with the press and his return to the UK.
Expert analysis of Kate's signals
Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Express that Catherine's radiant smile and loving gaze aimed at William showed resilience. "Her radiant smile matches this look of relaxed enjoyment and interestingly her loving gaze is aimed emphatically at her husband, just as it was earlier in the day," James said.
James added: "If there is any disarray among royal ranks thanks to Harry's close presence, it's clearly not affecting Kate who looks increasingly like the rock of the royal Firm." She noted that Kate's confident walk "seems to dispel any thoughts or concerns for the way the Sussexes are lapping at their heels."
Harry's interview comments
In the interview, Harry spoke of his desire to reconcile with his brother, saying "some people don't want it to work out." Spokespeople for the Duke of Sussex confirmed the comment was "made in a general context and was not directed at his family in any way."
Royal appearance details
Kensington Palace shared a new black-and-white picture of William and Catherine taken by Greg Williams at Frogmore House before the banquet. Catherine wore a caped gown by Elie Saab, her Lovers Knot tiara, and earrings and a bracelet that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. She also wore the King Charles II Royal Family Order and the GCVO Sash and Star.
The state visit marked the first UK Oman state visit by an Omani monarch since Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1982. The itinerary included a formal welcome on Datchet Road and a carriage procession to Windsor Castle. Thames Valley Police's Ch Supt Adrian Hall said airspace restrictions are part of the "robust security operation" in place, with road closures and parking restrictions introduced around Windsor.
