The Princess of Wales sent a message of "silent unity" to Prince William during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, according to body language expert Judi James.
Catherine observed the proceedings from the centre balcony of the Foreign Office, standing alongside Queen Camilla as King Charles led the nation in a two-minute silence.
A New Matriarchal Role
Speaking to the Daily Express, Ms James said the future queen is now projecting the same reassuring continuity once associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
"Over the past few years of drama and scandal for the royal Firm, Catherine has emerged as their natural matriarch, a calming presence who appears to project the kind of signals of continuity and resilience that the late Queen was known for," Ms James explained.
"And this role was more than illustrated by her body language charisma and signals here today."
This calming influence was apparent on the balcony, with Ms James observing that Catherine offered a "warm smile" to a "slightly tense-looking Camilla" as a gesture of reassurance when they first appeared together.
Focus on the Prince of Wales
The expert noted that it was the Prince of Wales who received the "quiet but full force" of his wife's support. As Prince William, dressed in the uniform of a Lieutenant Colonel of the Blues and Royals, stepped forward to place his poppy wreath at the monument in Whitehall, Catherine's attention was fixed entirely upon him.
Ms James said: "Catherine gazed down at her husband with her left brow raised and the hint of a smile on her face. She looked literally lost in the moment of approval and it was only when Camilla spoke to her again that Catherine's head snapped round politely to offer a dimpled smile of warmth."
The expert added that, before the Queen broke the spell, Catherine's unwavering focus suggested a profound connection between the couple.
"Before it was broken by Camilla though, Catherine's intense gaze down at William suggested a message of silent unity with her husband," she said. "She is a very visible presence on the balcony and this gesture suggested she is, in spirit at least, beside William as part of the ceremony she is watching."
Moment of Subliminal Mirroring
The bond between the royal pair was further highlighted by a subtle moment of "subliminal mirroring" immediately after the Prince laid his wreath.
Ms James observed: "The subliminal mirroring between Catherine and her husband showed straight after he laid the wreath when it was actually possible to see both of their blink rates increase identically to signal a matching burst of intense emotion as they showed their respect for the dead."
Down on the street below, King Charles led the floral tributes as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Wearing the uniform of Marshal of the Royal Air Force, the monarch laid a wreath featuring open-style poppy petals, which closely resembled the one produced for his grandfather, King George VI.
He was joined by senior politicians, members of the Armed Forces, and thousands of veterans for the historic ceremony, which commemorates the 1918 Armistice and ensures the sacrifices of Britain's heroes are never forgotten.
