Princess Kate showed 'inner tension' during first public engagement since ending chemotherapy

This marked Kate's first public engagement since announcing the end of her chemotherapy.

Judi James, a body language expert, spoke about the princess's return to public life, saying: "Kate's visit involved some familiar body language behaviours, both her own and as a couple with William."

She explained how "at first we saw Kate in quieter, listening and empathetic mode" due to the "rather sad" nature of the event, but she soon "became more animated as she talked".

James noted how the princess was "raising her hands in a series of cupping rituals, sometimes with spiked fingers registering the strength of her emotional input."

Elsewhere, the expert analysed the royal couple's joint body language, explaining: "One very sweet, familiar trait is that of intense mirroring between Kate and William.

"This has always been their signature look and it is happily as intense as ever.

"There are times they sit looking completely twinned here, heads cocked at the same angle to listen and hands clasped over their knees. Even their outfits are matching."

James continued to tell The Mail: "There is also a moment when that signature 'Kate smile' returns as one of the people they're meeting makes them laugh.

"It's the same wide, perfect smile we've seen Kate do for years but it's good to see a return of it during one of her first visits since her illness.

"There are also a couple of signs of what looks like inner tension.

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"When she arrives she clasps her bag in front of her torso with both hands and when she sits she holds one wrist with the other hand in what looks like a very tight clasp.

"But she visibly relaxes as the visit goes on until she is standing talking to one of the responders in a more energetic, animated way."

The princess made the emotional trip with her husband to Southport to comfort the families of the three girls who lost their lives in July's knife attack tragedy.